Mauritanian security forces have systematically tortured, raped, arbitrarily detained, and collectively expelled tens of thousands of West and Central African migrants and asylum seekers between 2020 and early 2025.

Nouakchott

A new Human Rights Watch report alleges that Mauritanian security forces engaged in widespread abuses—including torture, rape, arbitrary detention, and summary expulsions—against African migrants between 2020 and early 2025. The report connects these actions to funding and equipment provided by the European Union and Spain, aimed at curbing migration to the Canary Islands via the Atlantic route.

The report also highlights recent commitments by the Mauritanian government to reform its migration policies, including a ban on collective expulsions and new procedures to protect migrants' rights. Officials suggest these reforms could set a precedent for rights-respecting migration management in North Africa, while urging the EU to prioritize human rights over border security.

HRW: EU-funded crackdown drove torture, expulsions in Mauritania

A shocking new report from Human Rights Watch alleges Mauritanian security forces have committed widespread abuse against African migrants between 2020 and early 2025. The 142-page document details torture, rape, arbitrary detention and summary expulsions perpetrated against those trying to leave or transit through the country. The crackdown is linked to the European Union and Spain's outsourcing of migration control, providing funding and equipment to Mauritania to curb attempts to reach the Canary Islands via the Atlantic route. However, the report also notes a potential turning point. The Mauritanian government has recently pledged reforms, including a ban on collective expulsions and new procedures to protect migrants' rights. Officials say these actions could set a new precedent for rights respecting migration management in North Africa, but urge the EU to prioritise human lives over border security.

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Minneapolis

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Starbase

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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Mason

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Council of the City of Sydney

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Maryland

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Breakdown