Rwanda says UN Refugee Agency is Lying in British Asylum Case

Rwanda swiftly rebuffed these claims, accusing the UNHCR of spreading falsehoods and undermining the country’s reputation. The Rwandan government denounced the allegations as fabricated and expressed frustration over what it perceives as a lack of seriousness from the UN agency.

“UNHCR is lying,” a Rwandan government spokesperson said late on Tuesday. “The organisation seems intent on presenting fabricated allegations to UK courts about Rwanda’s treatment of asylum seekers, while still partnering with us to bring African migrants from Libya to safety in Rwanda.”

The deportation policy, championed by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government, has faced legal challenges, with critics arguing that it violates international humanitarian principles. The involvement of the UNHCR in the legal proceedings adds complexity to the controversy surrounding the deportation initiative.

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While Rwanda has been portrayed as a destination for asylum seekers, the government contends that cases cited by the UNHCR involve individuals who do not meet entry requirements or who leave voluntarily. This underscores the complexity of migration dynamics and the challenges in addressing them comprehensively.

The deportation plan, slated to commence with the first flight scheduled for July 24, hinges on the outcome of the upcoming British General Election on July 4. The opposition Labour Party has pledged to scrap the initiative if elected, indicating deep divisions over immigration policies within British politics.

As tensions persist and legal battles unfold, the plight of asylum seekers caught in the midst of political and legal wrangling remains uncertain. The outcome of the election and subsequent decisions by policymakers will shape the future of migration policies and the fate of those affected by them.