What's behind the UK's deportation deal with Rwanda? | DW News

Summary

The UK government plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, despite widespread criticism and a European Court intervention halting the first deportation. The UK aims to deter unauthorized migration, offering Rwanda $150 million in return. Rwanda promises up to five years of support for migrants, but critics question its human rights record. Some view the deal as a political strategy for Rwanda to improve relations with the West. Rwanda has hosted refugees before, but concerns remain about its suitability for asylum seekers from the UK.

Takeaways

• 🇬🇧 The British government insists on continuing its plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda despite widespread criticism.
• 🛑 The UK aims to prevent migrants from arriving through unauthorized routes by threatening them with deportation to Rwanda.
• 💰 Rwanda is receiving $150 million from the UK and is promoting itself as a hospitable haven for the asylum seekers.
• 🎓 Asylum seekers in Rwanda are offered up to five years of stay with access to education and support services.
• ⚖️ Human rights groups criticize the UK for evading its responsibility to protect asylum seekers, sending them to a country with a questionable human rights record.
• 🛬 The first deportation was halted by a European Court of Human Rights injunction, preventing a flight carrying seven asylum seekers from departing to Rwanda.
• 🇷🇼 Some critics within Rwanda argue that the country does not respect human rights and question the deal with the UK.
• 👤 Peter Naoni, a South Sudanese refugee in Rwanda, expresses concerns for asylum seekers being sent from the UK, saying they may face similar conditions as in their home countries.
• 🏢 Rwanda has prepared hostels in Kigali for the incoming asylum seekers, with some questioning whether they will feel secure there.
• 🤝 Rwanda is framing the deal as a humanitarian effort, while others view it as a political move to bolster its image and strengthen ties with Western governments.

Q & A

What is the British government's plan regarding asylum seekers?

The British government plans to send unwanted asylum seekers to Rwanda as part of an agreement aimed at preventing migrants from arriving in the UK through unauthorized routes.

What does Rwanda gain from the deal with the UK?

Rwanda receives $150 million and the opportunity to promote itself as a hospitable haven for asylum seekers. The deal is also framed as a humanitarian gesture due to Rwanda's history of dealing with refugees.

What criticism has the UK faced regarding this asylum seeker deal?

Human rights groups criticize the UK for shirking its responsibility to protect asylum seekers by sending them to a country with a questionable human rights record, like Rwanda.

Why was the first deportation flight to Rwanda delayed?

The European Court of Human Rights issued an injunction at the last minute, preventing the first deportation flight from taking off.

What are some criticisms from within Rwanda regarding this deal?

Critics in Rwanda argue that asylum seekers might face the same issues they fled from, as Rwanda itself does not have a strong human rights record or democratic governance.

What is Rwanda offering to asylum seekers deported from the UK?

Rwanda offers asylum seekers up to five years of stay, access to education, support, and integration programs that help them find jobs. Those who wish to stay can also apply for citizenship.

What are some concerns expressed by refugees currently in Rwanda?

Some refugees, like Peter Naoni from South Sudan, express dissatisfaction with Rwanda as a long-term option. They prefer to move to other countries like Europe or Canada.

How is the UK government preparing for future deportation flights?

Despite the setback with the first flight, the UK government, including the Home Secretary, confirmed that preparations for future flights are already underway.

What is the UK's justification for deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda?

The UK government argues that deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda will deter illegal migration through unauthorized routes and reduce the burden on its asylum system.

What is the broader significance of this asylum deal between the UK and Rwanda?

The deal is significant because it sets a controversial precedent where a wealthy nation outsources its asylum responsibilities to a country with a weaker human rights record, raising concerns about global responsibility-sharing in asylum cases.