A British court has upheld the legality of Britain’s plans to deport refugees who have entered the country illegally to Rwanda in East Africa. The British government’s plans do not conflict with the Geneva Refugee Convention, a London High Court statement said on Monday. Rwanda welcomed the verdict. Criticism came from aid organizations.
“The court concluded that it is legal for the UK government to make arrangements to send asylum seekers to Rwanda to have their asylum application examined in Rwanda and not in the UK,” the statement said. The decision goes back to a lawsuit brought by several asylum seekers, aid organizations and a trade union whose members are supposed to carry out the deportations. However, the court also found that the cases of the eight asylum seekers had not been properly investigated and referred them back to the Ministry of the Interior.
Controversial deal with Rwanda
Britain, led by former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, had signed a controversial agreement with the East African country 4,000 miles away to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda. This is to discourage people from crossing the English Channel to the UK.
Rwanda welcomed the British court’s ruling on Monday. “We are ready to provide asylum seekers and migrants with security and the opportunity to build a new life in Rwanda,” Yolande Makolo, government spokeswoman for the East African country, told AFP. It is a “positive step” towards overcoming the global migration crisis.
NGOs speak of a “dark moment”
“We have always said this practice is legal and today the court has confirmed that,” British Home Secretary Suella Braverman said. Nevertheless, she announced that she would continue with the precautions as soon as possible and defend herself against further legal action if necessary. Josie Naughton of the charity Choose Love called the verdict a “dark moment for the protection of human rights in the UK”.
So far, the British government’s plans have not been implemented and no refugee has been sent to Rwanda. The new conservative government led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak continues to support the implementation of the controversial agreement. He has made tackling illegal immigration one of his policy priorities and has defended the Rwanda plan despite widespread criticism from the opposition, the United Nations and even King Charles.
Recently, the number of refugees trying to cross the English Channel reached a record high. This year alone, more than 40,000 people have traveled from France to Britain in this way.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
