Rights groups in the UK and France are urging airlines involved in the UK’s contentious 'one in, one out' deportation scheme to cease their assistance in forced deportations of asylum seekers. In a letter addressed to four airlines – Air France, Titan Airways, AlbaStar Airlines, and Corendon Airlines – 28 refugee and human rights NGOs criticized these carriers for their roles in what they describe as 'cruel and forced deportations.' The letter specifically accuses these airlines of complicity in the deportation of vulnerable individuals, including victims of torture and trafficking.

The call to action comes following the recent removal of numerous asylum seekers to France under the controversial scheme, raising alarm among activists over the safety and welfare of those being deported. Advocates for human rights maintain that many of these deportees face severe risks upon arrival, including threats from traffickers that could endanger their lives. The situation highlights the increasing tension between the UK government’s immigration policy and the humanitarian concerns surrounding the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.

Human rights organizations are not only appealing for an end to these deportation flights but are also advocating for a public commitment from the airlines to refuse collaboration with Home Office deportations moving forward. This mounting pressure from advocacy groups emphasizes the ethical implications of airline involvement in governmental immigration practices and seeks to influence a future where the rights of asylum seekers are prioritized over such deportation initiatives.