The home secretary stated that British citizens will face additional expenses due to a new agreement with the Rwandan government regarding the deportation process for asylum seekers. He also emphasized that the government’s intentions were not solely focused on gaining popularity through a hasty and inexpensive approach.
The UK will cover the expenses of British and Commonwealth judges overseeing a recently created appeals system, as well as the legal fees for individuals sent to the central African nation.
On Tuesday, James Cleverly became the third UK home secretary in 19 months to finalize a deal with Rwanda. This agreement was necessary due to a recent ruling by the supreme court that deemed the government’s previous plans as illegal.
Up to this point, government officials have given £140m to the government of Rwanda. However, they have chosen not to reveal the total amount of additional expenses that have been incurred in both Rwanda and the UK, specifically in a series of prolonged court proceedings.
When asked about potential funding for the new treaty, Cleverly stated that the financial terms in any international agreement would reflect the expenses that Rwanda may incur as a result of the changes brought about by this partnership, specifically in their legal and institutional systems.
Rwandans did not request any money for this agreement, and they were not given any funds in return. Addressing migration is crucial, and it does come with expenses, but we believe it is the ethical action to take.
He stated that the UK and Rwanda are collaborating on this matter because of its significance, not because it is a simple task or for the sake of gaining quick and inexpensive popularity.
The government claims that the new agreement addresses the supreme court’s findings and offers a long-term solution.
On November 15th, the highest court halted the policy due to worries that refugees may be incorrectly returned to their home countries and subjected to mistreatment.
The recent agreement dictates that judges from Britain and the Commonwealth will oversee a newly created appeals system in Rwanda’s high court for extraordinary situations.
Individuals sent to Rwanda will receive complimentary legal aid financed by taxpayers during the entire procedure. The government of Rwanda has declared that no person will be relocated to any other nation besides the UK, potentially resulting in the deportation of asylum seekers who commit crimes in Rwanda back to the UK.
Specialists, who are being funded by the United Kingdom, will also be temporarily transferred to Rwanda to provide aid in handling asylum determinations.
The Home Office argues that the treaty improves the role of a monitoring committee in Rwanda.
The foreign affairs minister of Rwanda, Vincent Biruta, expressed that the country has faced unjust treatment from the courts, global organizations, and the media. He also mentioned that internal politics in the UK may have influenced this mistreatment.
The most recent deal between Rwanda and the United Kingdom was made known as statistics from the Home Office revealed that there are 28,318 individuals seeking asylum who are currently in line to be returned to Rwanda.
Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, expressed concern over the negative impact of these plans on the refugees they assist. He stated that many are being placed in unsafe and hazardous circumstances, causing them great harm. Due to the fear of being relocated to Rwanda, many are avoiding necessary services, making them vulnerable to exploitation and mistreatment.
This agreement will greatly harm the mental well-being of asylum seekers, who are already struggling with stress, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide due to the trauma they have faced.
The government needs to acknowledge that the Rwanda plan is not the most effective path moving forward.
Source: theguardian.com