Following an approval of a last minute injunction, the European Court of Human Rights has caused delays in the transfer of migrants/asylum seekers from the UK into Rwanda.
An Iraqi national applied for the injunction after he appealed against his transfer.
According to media reports, this led to other migrants applying to the same court, which delayed the transfer process.
On April 14, Rwanda and the United Kingdom announced a major partnership under which the former will receive migrants and asylum seekers from the UK.
Rwandan officials have since the signing of the partnership indicated that Rwanda’s interests are solely contributing to providing a solution to the already broken global asylum system that is currently being exploited by human traffickers.
In a media briefing held on June 15, Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo insisted that Rwanda is driven by experiences in managing migrantsThey can now live a dignified life and be able to move to the places they choose.
Makolo stated that Rwanda had received close to 1000 migrants from Libya who were resettled in Rwanda. The majority were then able to move to other countries.
The European Court of Human Rights’ decision means that the migrants will remain in the UK until their claims have been heard by UK courts.
UK media reported that a plane meant to transport migrants and asylum seekers had been secured and was ready to take off with the first group of Rwandan migrants.
Priti Patel, UK Home Secretary, expressed dismay at the European Court’s failure to follow up on the previous rulings that allowed the transfers.
“Many of those removed from this flight will be placed on the next. We will not be deterred from doing the right thing and delivering our plans… Our legal team are reviewing every decision made on this flight and preparation for the next flight begins now,” she was quoted in the UK media as saying.
emusoni@newtimesrwanda.com
Source: rnewtimes
