LONDON (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK government is under the pump for creating its own “Guantanamo Bay” after signing a deal with Rwanda to put an end to human smuggling on the English Channel.
Earlier this week, some of the high profile dignitaries, including Former Minister David Davis, protested against the deal by comparing it to creating “a British Guantanamo Bay.”
The UK, which is a party in the UN’s Refugee Convention and the European Convention on human rights, receives a huge amount of criticism from Human rights organisations all around the globe.
The organisations and governments criticise the UK for adopting arrangements to hand over responsibilities to others. This act of the UK government threatens the International Refugee Regime.
Over the decades, the International Refugee Regime stood strong during the time of crisis and saved millions of lives. So, it is somehow becoming a critical issue for the future of refugees settled in different parts of the world.
Who Will Be Sent To Rwanda?
As the UK Government reached an agreement with the Rwanda Government on deporting asylum seekers, the number of asylum seekers who reached the UK either via boat or by hiding in the truck will be sent to Rwanda to start a new life.
As a part of the deal between the two governments, most asylum seekers who will be deported to Rwanda will include single men. Moreover, the Rwanda Government will take full responsibility for the people to reach there from the UK.
The Government will provide them accommodation, food, shelter, education, and medical health services for the next 5 years. Under the deal, the UK has pledged 120 million pounds investment in Rwanda’s economic development and growth.
Why Did The UK Choose Rwanda?
The UK Government thoroughly discussed the plan of deporting refugees to third-world countries until their applications were approved last year. They looked into this possibility after British colonies Isle of Man and Gibraltar announced that they would not welcome asylum seekers.
The UK government even had plans to send asylum seekers to Ascension Island, another British colony. Few reports also suggest that they tried to reach an agreement with Ghana and Albania but failed.
So, after trying different options, Rwanda finally accepted the deal and is all set to welcome refugees. After reaching the agreement with Rwanda officials, Boris Johnson said that the East African country is safe and is recognized worldwide for welcoming and integrating migrants.
On the other hand, Human rights organisations and NGOs criticise this move by saying that Rwanda’s human rights record is not clean. And sending people to the country can be dangerous.
UK-Rwanda Deal Reminds Us Of Refugee Approach of Australia And Israel
Israel signed a similar agreement with Rwanda and Uganda in 2014-2017. But After reaching Rwanda, almost all the African asylum seekers tried to leave the country for Europe through human smugglers.
On the other hand, Australia has been sending refugees who are trying to enter the country by boat to detention centres created in Naru and Papua New Guinea’s Manu Island.
Rwandan Opposition Criticized Migration Deal With England.
Rwanda confirms it has agreed to host UK Asylum Seekers. Frank Habineza, the Democratic Green party of Rwanda, said they would welcome and support the refugees who want to come to their country directly. But he largely criticised rich countries like the UK for imposing their orders on asylum seekers.
He further criticised the deal by saying it’s not a sustainable solution. He called on the UK government to play a better role in this situation to fulfil its international obligations.
NGOs Criticizing UK Home Security Decision To Deport Asylum Seekers
Charities and human rights advocates have condemned the UK Home Office’s decision to send the first refugee deportation flight to Rwanda on June 14.
As per reports, the home security has sent notices to the people, mostly from Syria or Afghanistan. They have sent them notices to make them aware that they will soon be deported to a central Asian country.
Freedom from Torture, UK based NGO, wrote on Twitter, “The plan to send refugees to Rwanda is cruel and out of step with public opinion. People seeking safety deserve so much better than this government’s cruel policies”.
Reactions To Deal
The UK’s new migration plan received criticism not only from NGOs but also from the opposition leaders. Opposition parties have shown dissatisfaction and criticised the conservative Government’s plan.
Keir Starmer, Labour party leader, said that the announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson was a desperate attempt to distract the country from his law-breaking.
Conclusion
The UK Home office’s call to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda is a clear sign that the government establishes its Guantanamo bay, which can hurt thousands of people.
The Government is receiving massive hate for their move, and different organizations question this decision.