UK says new Rwanda treaty addresses top court’s concerns
A revised treaty with Rwanda addresses the UK Supreme Court’s reservations about the government’s controversial migrant policy, according to the UK’s home secretary James Cleverly.
Last month, the court ruled that the scheme, aimed at sending migrants to Rwanda, risked breaching human rights.
Mr Cleverly emphasised Rwanda’s commitment to safeguarding migrants, saying the country had made “a clear and unambiguous commitment to the safety of people who come here”.
The policy is part of the UK government’s strategy to deter illegal Channel crossings by small boats. Prime minister Rishi Sunak has said that “stopping the boats” is a crucial objective before the next general election.
The Labour Party has vowed to abolish the scheme if it comes to power, questioning its viability. Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, said the policy was “failing” and that the funds should be used to deal with the criminal networks facilitating small boat crossings.
The Supreme Court took issue with the inability to ensure Rwanda’s compliance with the non-refoulement principle, which prohibits the return of asylum seekers to a country where they might face harm.
In response, Mr Sunak announced efforts to sign a new treaty with Rwanda and proposed emergency legislation to affirm its safety for asylum seekers. The measure is expected to be introduced to Parliament soon.