What is Rwanda Scheme / Rwanda Asylum Plan?

The UK’s Rwanda Scheme, officially initiated under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s administration in April 2022, is a controversial migration policy designed to deter unauthorized arrivals to the UK by rerouting asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Under this arrangement, individuals who arrive in Britain via unauthorized means, specifically after January 1, 2022, are eligible to be deported to Rwanda while their asylum claims are assessed.

Intentions and Controversies

The primary objective of the Rwanda scheme is to undermine the business model of human traffickers who facilitate dangerous and illegal crossings, primarily across the English Channel. The UK government argues that this approach will discourage migrants from undertaking perilous journeys often orchestrated by smuggling networks. However, this initiative has faced significant backlash and legal hurdles.

Critics argue that it jeopardizes the safety and rights of asylum seekers, potentially exposing them to harm or mistreatment either in Rwanda or upon further deportation. Rights groups and international bodies, including the UN, have criticized the plan for undermining the principles of international protection for refugees and asylum seekers. Additionally, Rwanda’s political climate under President Paul Kagame has been a point of contention, with allegations of suppressed dissent and restrictions on free speech raising concerns about the safety and appropriateness of Rwanda as a host for asylum seekers.

Legal Challenges

The scheme encountered a setback when the UK Supreme Court, in November last year, unanimously decided that the policy was unlawful. The Court’s decision highlighted the risks faced by migrants who might be deported to their original countries or other dangerous locales from Rwanda, consequently violating their rights under international law.

Rishi Sunak’s Response and New Legislation

In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took measures to circumvent legal obstacles by negotiating a new treaty with Rwanda. This treaty intends to ensure that deported asylum seekers would only be returned to the UK rather than being sent to potentially dangerous third countries.
Sunak’s administration hopes this revised arrangement will satisfy legal standards and facilitate the implementation of the deportation plan. Despite Sunak’s legislative push, which he claims fundamentally changes the global approach to migration, the restructured Rwanda Bill still faces potential legal challenges.

Critics and humanitarian organizations continue to express concerns, and legal experts suggest that the European Court of Human Rights may still obstruct deportation flights due to persisting human rights considerations.

Current Status and Future Prospects

As of now, no migrants have been deported to Rwanda, despite the UK government having already paid Rwanda 240 million pounds as part of the agreement. While the UK aims to deport thousands, Rwanda’s current capacity to accept and process such individuals is limited. The ongoing legal, political, and ethical debates around the Rwanda scheme highlight the complexities and contentious nature of managing migration and asylum in a manner that balances control of borders with the protection of vulnerable individuals under international law.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2024

Category: International / World Current Affairs