Rwanda takes issue with UK court calling it 'not safe for asylum seekers'

Hours after the UK’s Supreme Court struck down London’s plan to send some migrants to Rwanda, the East African country said that it took the issue with Britain’s apex court. “This is ultimately a decision for the UK’s judicial system,” Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo said in a statement to AFP. “However, we do take issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe third country for asylum seekers and refugees, in terms of refoulement.” She said Rwanda was “committed to its international obligations” and its “exemplary treatment of refugees” had been recognised by the UN refugee agency and other bodies. “We take our humanitarian responsibilities seriously, and will continue to live up to them,” she added. Earlier today, a five-judge panel rejected the controversial policy, upholding a lower court judgment that sending undocumented migrants to Rwanda was unlawful. Following the court’s judgment, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that he would soon “finalise” a new treaty with Rwanda.

“The government has been working already on a new treaty with Rwanda and we will finalise that in light of today’s judgment,” he said.

“Furthermore, if necessary I am prepared to revisit our domestic legal frameworks,” Sunak added.

Britain and Rwanda signed a deal in April 2022 to send some migrants who arrive in the UK across the English Channel to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay. Britain’s government argues that the Rwanda policy will deter people from risking their lives crossing one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, and will break the business model of people-smuggling gangs. Opposition politicians, refugee groups and human rights organizations say the plan is unethical and unworkable. With inputs from agencies