Rwanda Takes UK to Task Over Scrapped Asylum Scheme
In a move that's sending shockwaves across the globe, Rwanda has filed an arbitration case against the United Kingdom, claiming it's owed over $130 million as part of a scrapped asylum scheme. The East African nation is accusing Britain of breaching the terms of their 'migration partnership' and reneging on promises made under the deal.Rwanda Accuses UK of Breaching Migration Partnership
According to Rwanda's submission to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Britain has failed to uphold its end of the bargain. Under the agreement, London would pay Kigali to accept asylum seekers and immigrants who arrived in Britain illegally. However, when Prime Minister Keir Starmer took office in 2024, he scrapped the plan, citing concerns over its legality.
Rwanda Claims UK Reneged on Promises
Kigali is also accusing Britain of breaking a promise to resettle vulnerable refugees with complex needs who were already being hosted by Rwanda. The East African nation claims that these individuals were promised safe haven and support, but their fate remains uncertain due to the UK's decision to scrap the asylum scheme.
Background on the Controversial Deal
The 'migration partnership' was introduced by the Conservative government in 2022, with the aim of addressing Britain's migrant crisis. However, the deal faced numerous legal challenges, including a ruling from the UK's Supreme Court that Rwanda wasn't a safe country for asylum seekers. The court also found that transferring migrants to Rwanda would breach domestic and international law.
The arbitration case filed by Rwanda against the UK is set to be a closely watched affair, with implications for both nations' relationships and their approaches to migration policy. As the world waits with bated breath for the outcome, one thing is clear: the fate of thousands of asylum seekers hangs in the balance.
