Abuse fears as Sudan deports Eritreans

Sudan has deported hundreds of Eritreans back to the hardline government they fled contravening international law, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Tuesday.

Sudan is a key transit country for refugees hoping to reach Europe, and many of those sent back to Eritrea were arrested as they tried to cross from Sudan to Libya.

According to the United Nations, around 5 000 Eritreans risk their lives every month to flee the country.

The deportations by Khartoum of at least 442 Eritreans – including six UN-registered refugees this month – comes as the European Union tries to work with Sudan to manage the tens of thousands hoping to cross the Mediterranean.