GENEVA – Sudan is forcing Eritrean refugees to return to their home country, the UN said Friday, warning that their lives and liberty were at risk.

Some 74 Eritreans were forcibly sent back on Monday to Eritrea through the eastern Laffa border crossing point, according to information provided by Sudanese authorities to the UN refugee agency.

“UNHCR is deeply concerned over recent forced returns, or refoulement, of Eritrean and other asylum seekers and refugees from Sudan,” UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said.