Government Claims Rwanda is a Safe Country for Deportations to End Channel Crossings

The fate of the UK's flagship asylum plan is being decided in a three-day Supreme Court battle, with lawyers for Chancellor Rishi Sunak arguing that Rwanda is a "safe" country to deport illegal migrants and put an end to dangerous Channel crossings. The government insists that while Rwanda may be "less attractive" than Britain, it is still a safe option for migrants.

High Court Judgment Overturned on Technicality

Last summer, a High Court judgment that deemed Rwanda as safe was overturned by the Court of Appeal, citing concerns about the possibility of the Kigali government deporting migrants back to their home countries where they may face persecution. The government's lawyers argue that Rwanda is a "friendly foreign state" and fully committed to the multi-million-pound deal.

Powerful Incentives for Rwanda to Honor the Deal

Sir James Eadie KC, representing the Home Office, emphasized that there are "very powerful" incentives for Rwanda to honor the agreement. The deal involves Rwanda taking in Britain's illegal migrants in exchange for £140 million. The government also stressed the need for effective measures to act as a deterrent against dangerous and life-threatening journeys, like those across the Channel.

Lawyers for Asylum Seekers Dispute Rwanda's Safety

Lawyers representing asylum seekers argued that Rwanda is a "highly autocratic repressive state" that violates human rights, with reports of imprisonments, torture, and murder of political opponents. They claimed that Rwanda's asylum system is deficient and marked by unfairness and arbitrariness, along with serious safeguarding and capacity issues.

Battle with European Court of Human Rights Looms

Even if the Supreme Court approves the deportation plan, the UK government may face a battle with the European Court of Human Rights. The Strasbourg judges previously halted a proposed flight in June 2022 through an eleventh-hour injunction. This interference has led to calls from some Tory MPs to withdraw from the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights.