CHRAJ calls for ‘humane and dignified manner’ in repatriation of undocumented migrants

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is raising human rights and dignity concerns over the recent operation by the Ghana Immigration Service in picking up undocumented migrants in the country.

CHRAJ in a statement signed by Commissioner Joseph Whittal on May 20, 2025 said the operation puts these migrants in an extremely “vulnerable and dehumanising conditions.”

CHRAJ while commending the efforts of the GIS to address the situation, called on the Immigration Service to respect the human right of these migrants.

“It is however important to emphasise that under Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution as well as ratified international human rights instruments including International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families and the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, Ghana’s human rights obligations also extend to these undocumented migrants.

“This means that whilst the issue at hand remains extremely concerning for public order, health and safety, government’s decision to send back undocumented migrants where necessary should be done in a humane and dignified manner,” CHRAJ said.

Read also: 925 out of 2,241 arrested illegal immigrants repatriated by Ghana Immigration Service

The Commission noted that in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) of which Ghana is a champion country, human right is recognised as one of the guiding principles for effective migration governance.

The Commission says the human rights assessments should be done on a case-by-case basis to avoid situations whereby migrants are sent back to the countries of origin where they may apprehend persecution or harm thereby violating the principle of non-refoulement under international law.

The Commission urged GIS to ensure that the operation is gender responsive and prioritise the best interest of the child since the significant proportion of undocumented migrants are women and children.

CHRAJ further proposed a more sustainable intervention through interstate cooperation between Ghana and relevant States be strengthened to effectively address any migration related issues going forward.

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