The UK Ministry of Interior has labelled the criticisms as a double standard given that Rwanda and the UNHCR already have a similar agreement in place.
In 2019, the UNHCR played a crucial role in a program aimed at relocating migrants stranded in Libya. This initiative, supported by the Rwandan government and other partners, led to the establishment of a transit camp in Gashora, Bugesera District.
The migrants housed in this facility receive accommodation and necessary care. Since the program’s inception, over 1,500 migrants have been relocated to Gashora, with nearly a thousand of them being granted asylum in third countries.
However, despite this precedent, the UNHCR opposes the United Kingdom’s policy of relocating migrants to Rwanda. This position became evident during a recent hearing at the British Court of Appeal.
Lawyers representing a migrant advocacy organization argued that Rwanda is known for human rights violations and that transferred migrants would no longer receive protection from the United Kingdom.
Responding to these arguments, an official from the UK Ministry of Interior expressed their opinion in an interview with The Times, stating that “it appears hypocritical for the UNHCR to criticize our program with Rwanda while being involved in a similar initiative in that country.”
Under the Migration and Economic Development Partnership signed between Rwanda and the UK in April last year, the UK will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants, including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and higher education.
The agreement sets the stage for the deportation of migrants and asylum seekers staying in the UK illegally to Rwanda.
The UK made this decision to discourage illegal crossings into the country and to reduce the budget spent on illegal migrants every year.
Earlier this year, Rwanda and the UK signed an additional agreement aimed at expanding the provision of support for migrants to be deported to Rwanda.
Upon arrival, asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated with dignity, just like Rwandans. It is expected that those willing to return to their home countries will be assisted in doing so.
The initial plan was for the first migrants to arrive in Rwanda in July 2022. However, this deadline was postponed following a complaint filed by organizations advocating for migrants’ rights.
One family contesting their deportation to Rwanda argued that it is not a safe country for migrants.
During a recent hearing, the family’s lawyers claimed that Rwanda is known for human rights violations.
They further argued that if the United Kingdom chose to transfer migrants to Rwanda, they would no longer be under British protection and might lack the means to ensure their safety.
However, the UK maintains that Rwanda is a safe country for the resettlement of asylum seekers.
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