EU-sponsored security forces allegedly mistreating immigrant populations

In a shocking revelation, a young man named Abdramane Barry from Sierra Leone has spoken out about the alleged abuses he faced while attempting to reach Europe via Mauritania. Barry was caught trying to board a smuggler's boat and was subsequently detained in a crowded center, where he claims there was no food, water, or medication.

The European Union, which is paying Mauritania's border forces to prevent migrants from reaching Europe, has been accused of continuing to outsource migration management despite the alleged abuses. The Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported last week a variety of abuses faced by migrants in Mauritania, including arbitrary arrest, arbitrary detention, extortion, rape, and torture.

Barry was expelled from Mauritania with no legal process and is now stranded in Timbuktu, Mali, with only the clothes on his back. He expressed disappointment towards Europe for paying Mauritania's police to prevent migrants from reaching Europe, stating that if they were well-trained, they would not treat migrants in such a brutal manner.

Mauritania and the EU have made efforts this year to improve the treatment of migrants, but Barry claims he saw no sign of this improvement. Pregnant women in the center were not given any extra food, and guards allegedly targeted young girls. Barry's account of his experiences aligns with the testimonies of hundreds of migrants collected in a report by HRW.

The European Commission has stated that ensuring respect for the human rights of migrants is a fundamental principle of its work. However, the ongoing allegations of abuse in Mauritania raise questions about the effectiveness of these efforts. Thousands of migrants die annually on the 700-mile journey to Europe, often in overcrowded and flimsy boats.

As the world grapples with the migrant crisis, it is crucial to ensure that the rights and safety of migrants are prioritised. The alleged abuses in Mauritania serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in migration policies and practices.