UK Signs New Asylum Deal with Rwanda After Court Ruling
James Cleverly, the British Home Secretary, has approved a new treaty to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda following the ruling of the UK's highest court that deemed the deportation program illegal. Cleverly journeyed to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, and signed the agreement alongside Vincent Biruta, the Rwandan Foreign Minister.
The specific terms of the recent agreement were not immediately disclosed, although British media sources suggest that Rwanda is obligated to address the welfare of asylum-seekers and other individuals relocated there.
The government's plan in Rwanda is central to its strategy for reducing migration and is being closely observed by other countries considering similar measures.
However, the UK's highest court recently ruled that this plan would violate human rights laws protected by domestic legislation. Since the ruling, the UK has been attempting to renegotiate its agreement with Rwanda to include a binding treaty that prevents the expulsion of asylum seekers sent there by the UK, which was a major concern of the court.
James Cleverly expressed confidence in Rwanda's commitment to refugee rights and looked forward to signing the agreement and discussing collaborative efforts to address the global issue of illegal migration.
Rwanda's government spokesperson, Mukuralinda, stated that the two countries would establish a joint tribunal in Kigali with judges from both Rwanda and the UK to ensure that none of the immigrants sent to Rwanda would be deported to their home country.
Rishi Sunak is facing significant demands to reduce net migration, which reached a record high of 745,000 in the previous year. Additionally, there is a need to address the issue of asylum seekers who pay human smugglers to cross the English Channel on unsafe and overcrowded boats.
The recent ruling by the UK Supreme Court was a significant blow to Sunak's agenda. Moreover, he intends to introduce "emergency legislation" in parliament to declare Rwanda as a safe nation. According to Britain's immigration minister, Robert Jenrick, the government is compelled to take action as those arriving on small boats are essentially breaking into the country.
