Thread by @CDHUNIMET

#URGENT #Nov23 // Yesterday #Nov22, 16 Venezuelan minors -whose ages range from months to 14 years old- and nine Venezuelan women were deported by the Trinidadian authorities, hours before their habeas corpus hearing.

@RefugeesIntl @Refugees @DRC_ngo
#WhereAreThe16

#Nov23 // According to lawyer Nafeesa Mohammed, the children and women entered Trinidad and Tobago a few days ago, being arrested by the authorities and taken to a police station. Because of the conditions of detention, one of the children became ill.

@Refugees #WhereAreThe16

#Nov23 // The children have family members in Trinidad and Tobago who are legally registered. However, State officials refused to accept the documents, including birth certificates, that demonstrated such links.

@RefugeesIntl @Refugees @DRC_ngo
#WhereAreThe16

#Nov23 // Trinidad and Tobago signed the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which implies that the country must follow the principle of non-refoulement.

@RefugeesIntl @Refugees @DRC_ngo
#WhereAreThe16

#Nov23 // Although a yellow alert had been issued due to poor weather, children and women were deported in wooden boats with no roof. More than 24 hours have passed, and the whereabouts of both boats are unknown.

@NRC_Norway @NRC_LAC
#WhereAreThe16

#Nov23 // We call on the Trinidadian government and the Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, @OPM_TT to pursue an impartial investigation regarding this case, which has violated Trinidad and Tobago’s obligations under international law (1/2)

#WhereAreThe16

And exposed women and children to be victims of human trafficking networks, piracy and the various dangers of the trip in boats not suitable for it. TT must fulfill its obligations and provide support to Venezuelans who migrate forcibly (2/2).

@smullallylaw @Shabia_M