We're haven for refugees, Rwanda tells off UK Court

The UK Court of Appeal verdict termed the country unsafe for refugees

In Summary

• The court, which was ruling on an appeal on a decision by the UK government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda found that the country was unsafe.

• Two of the three judges concluded that deficiencies in the asylum system in the East African country meant there was a risk seekers could be returned to their home country to face persecution.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame
Rwandan President Paul Kagame
Image: Rwanda presidency/Twitter

The Rwandese government has dismissed a decision by the UK Court of Appeal that found the country unsafe for refugees.

In a statement, Rwanda insisted that it remains one of the safest countries to live in.

"We do take issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe country for asylum seekers and refugees. Rwanda is one of the safest countries in the world and we have been recognized by the UNHCR and other international institutions for our exemplary treatment of refugees," the Government spokesperson said.

It adds, "As a society and as a government, we have built a safe, secure, dignified environment, in which migrants and refugees have equal rights and opportunities as Rwandans."

The court, which was ruling on an appeal on a decision by the UK government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda found that the country was unsafe.

Two of the three judges concluded that deficiencies in the asylum system in the East African country meant a risk seeker could be returned to their home country to face persecution.

The court also found the move as unlawful.

The Rwandese government insisted that their people understand what it means to be forced to flee their home country and start living in a new one.

The country said it remains committed to seeing the programme successful.

"The broken global migration system is failing to protect the vulnerable, and empower criminal smuggling gangs at an immeasurable human cost."

The UK government wants to send asylum seekers to Rwanda as a way of discouraging small boats from crossing.

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