UK taxpayers to bear extra cost over Rwanda treaty

The home secretary recently stated that the British public will have to pay additional expenses due to the recently signed deportation agreement with the Rwandan government, which concerns asylum seekers. This decision was not made with the intention of gaining popular support through cost-cutting measures.

The recently formed agreement stipulates that the United Kingdom will finance the expenses of British and Commonwealth judges who will oversee a novel appellate mechanism, along with the expenses of every judicial proceeding of whoever gets transported to the central African nation.

On Tuesday, James Cleverly became the third individual to hold the position of UK home secretary within a span of 19 months, to sign a treaty with Rwanda. The need for this agreement arose due to a recent verdict by the supreme court which deemed the government's prior plans as illegal, thereby compelling them to draft a new treaty.

Up until this point, government officials have given the Rwandan government £140 million. However, they have chosen not to reveal the exact amount that has been spent on additional expenses in both Rwanda and the UK, such as extensive legal battles.

When questioned about whether more funds would be allocated for the newly formed treaty, Cleverly stated that the financial agreement that accompanies any international pact is based on the expenses that Rwanda may incur due to the alterations made to their legal and institutional structures as a result of this partnership.

The Rwandans did not request any financial compensation in exchange for this agreement. Likewise, no financial assistance was granted to the Rwandans as part of this agreement. Addressing the issue of migration requires resources, and while it does come at a cost, we believe it's the proper course of action.

He stated that the collaboration between the UK and Rwanda is significant and not pursued because it is effortless or for gaining short-term popularity at a low cost.

According to the government, the fresh agreement is a direct response to the supreme court's findings and offers a new and sustainable resolution.

The highest court suspended the law on November 15 due to worries that the refugees might be erroneously deported to their home nations, where they could suffer harm and victimization.

The latest agreement implies that judges who are British and belong to the Commonwealth will oversee a recently formed mechanism for hearing appeals in exceptional circumstances within the high court of Rwanda.

The government of Rwanda has declared that individuals sent there can access legal support for free which will be financed by taxpayers. Furthermore, they have affirmed that anyone leaving the country will only be sent back to the United Kingdom. This suggests that refugees, who might engage in criminal activities while in Rwanda, might face deportation to the UK.

Professionals funded by the United Kingdom will also be sent to Rwanda to provide help with the handling of decisions regarding asylum seekers.

According to the Home Office, the agreement strengthens the capabilities of a surveillance panel in Rwanda.

Vincent Biruta, the minister of foreign affairs in Rwanda, has expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment that the country has received from various bodies, such as courts, international organisations and the media. He stated that Rwanda has been subjected to unfair treatment and implied that the reason for such treatment could be related to the UK's internal politics.

The most recent deal between Rwanda and the United Kingdom was announced while data from the Home Office revealed that 28,318 individuals who have applied for asylum were still waiting to be sent to Rwanda.

Enver Solomon, who is the head of the Refugee Council, spoke out about the serious effects that these proposed actions are having on the refugees they support. This is causing them to be placed in perilous and insecure situations. A large number of refugees are now fearful of accessing necessary services, as they believe they will be forcibly relocated to Rwanda. This leaves them vulnerable to being taken advantage of and experiencing mistreatment.

It is evident that this agreement will inflict severe harm on the psychological condition and general wellness of asylum seekers. These people are already enduring tension, unease and contemplations of suicide due to the trauma they have undergone.

"The government should come to terms with the fact that the Rwanda plan is not the correct course of action."