UK, Rwanda sign new treaty to resurrect asylum plan

Britain and Rwanda on Tuesday inked a fresh treaty aimed at resurrecting a contentious proposal by London to relocate migrants to the East African nation.

The agreement, signed by Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta and British Interior Minister James Cleverly, follows the UK Supreme Court’s previous rejection of an arrangement, deeming it unlawful. Cleverly, who journeyed to Kigali to salvage the stalled initiative, expressed the commitment of both nations to enhance the process.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had vowed to persevere with the controversial project and address concerns raised by the Supreme Court.

Cleverly, during a joint press briefing in Kigali, emphasised the collaborative effort between the UK and Rwanda to improve the partnership, noting Rwanda’s commitment to addressing the concerns highlighted by the court.

According to Alain Mukuralinda, deputy spokesman for Rwanda’s government, the two countries plan to establish a joint tribunal with judges from both nations in Kigali. This tribunal, subject to approval by both parliaments, aims to prevent the deportation of immigrants to their countries of origin.

While specific details of the new agreement were not disclosed, reports suggest that it includes commitments from Rwanda regarding the treatment of asylum-seekers and migrants sent there.

The UK Supreme Court’s decision prompted Sunak to consider emergency legislation designating Rwanda as a safe country, intending to overcome legal challenges.

The UK-Rwanda migration “partnership,” established in April the previous year, envisioned sending individuals who had undertaken what London termed “dangerous or illegal journeys” to Britain.

The plan faced setbacks, with legal challenges and opposition from activists such as Yasmine Ahmed, the UK director at Human Rights Watch, highlighting Rwanda’s human rights record.

Despite criticisms, the British government maintains that the bilateral scheme is essential to deter “illegal” immigration across the Channel from France.

With immigration being a significant issue expected to feature prominently in an upcoming general election, Cleverly emphasised the urgency of moving forward with the partnership to “stop the boats and save lives.”

The statement also highlighted the Supreme Court’s acknowledgment that future changes could address their conclusions, indicating the intent to implement such changes through the new treaty.

With inputs from AFP