SOUTH SUDAN: FURTHER INFORMATION ON DEPORTEES ONGOING UNLAWFUL DETENTION

Nyo Myint and Enrique Arias Hierro were deported from the U.S. as part of the U.S. government’s mass deportation campaign, transiting through a US military base in Djibouti, and arbitrarily detained in South Sudan since their arrival in Juba on July 4, 2025. Nyo Myint, from Myanmar, entered the US in 2016 as a resettled refugee; Enrique Arias Hierro, from Cuba, lived in the US since 1980. Deported with six others, they remain held without legal basis or clarity on their status, contrary to international human rights law. Ten months on, authorities have not provided official information on their whereabouts. Such incommunicado, arbitrary detention raises the risk of torture or other ill-treatment. In October–November 2025, Nyo Myint reported suicidal thoughts, heightening concerns for his health and safety.

Call on the South Sudanese authorities to disclose the whereabouts of Nyo Myint and Enrique Arias Hierro and immediately; grant consistent, unmonitored access to all legal representatives (including local counsel); and clarify the legal grounds for any detention. Please also facilitate access to UNHCR, IOM, the national human rights commission, and other relevant bodies to pursue durable solutions and, where consistent with non-refoulement, prompt repatriation.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: September 11, 2026 (extended from March 9)

Here is how you can take action:

1. Send an email your message now!
2. Send a USPS letter to the South Sudanese authorities via the South Sudan Embassy in the U.S.

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal, email to the South Sudanese authorities, and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).