We are writing in hopes that the UN will enforce the Nov. 15 accord between it and the government of Niger because the lives and human rights of eight people are deeply dependent upon it. Francois Xavier Nzuwonemeye, Protais Zigiranyirazo, Alphonse Nteziryayo, Tharcisse Muvunyi, Andre Ntagerura, Anatole Nsengiyumva, Prosper Mugiraneza and Innocent Sagahutu had been granted permanent residence by the accord, and were ready to begin a safe new life in Niger.

However, a recent Dec. 27 decision signed by the Minister of Interior and Decentralization, Hamadou Adamou Souley, to expel them completely undid that. They have already been tried and were either acquitted or paid their debt to society. Their legal cases stem from ICTR, a UN tribunal which dealt with problems from 1994 Rwanda. If expelled, they would be forced to go to Rwanda, a country with a terrible record on human rights. They not only deserve to live a free life like all of us, but their human rights and human lives are put in peril by this decision. We are bringing this up in hopes of either enforcing the original accord or finding a new solution to a dire situation.

After their freedom was granted, they had been living in legal limbo, and were unable to leave the safe house in Arusha, Tanzania. Shortly after the Nov. 15 agreement, they arrived in Niamey, Niger on Dec. 5. After two decades, they were ready to finally settle down and reunite with their families. The ink had barely dried though when the agreement was violated by the government of Niger.

While we are grateful that the expulsion was put on a 30-day hold by Judge Masanche’s order on Dec. 31, their lives remain in grave danger. It is imperative that the UN enforce the agreement between it and Niger. If it is no longer feasible, another country should be found in order for the UN to uphold its agreement. We are thankful that the government of Niger has agreed to suspend the expulsion order against these gentlemen as of Jan. 3.

We ask that you join us in our effort to advocate for a humane and lawful resolution to this situation. These people’s lives depend on it. Let’s think of them and imagine if our brothers or fathers were in the same situation.