Rwanda Expresses 'Disappointment' Over Supreme Court Verdict on UK Asylum Scheme

Rwanda expressed disappointment after the UK Supreme Court ruled its plan to send asylum seekers to the country unlawful.

The Rwandan government defended its record on handling refugees and insisted the nation was safe for asylum seekers, countering the court's judgment.

Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo criticized the ruling, citing a good track record of welcoming migrants and rejected claims of unsafety made by the UN refugee agency as "hypocritical."

Despite the Supreme Court's concern about the risk of asylum seekers being wrongfully sent back to dangerous situations, Makolo assured that Rwanda does not engage in such practices. She dismissed criticisms of the asylum process as misleading or outdated and maintained that prior issues had been resolved.

Responding to the court's mention of unexplained dismissals of asylum claims, Makolo suggested these were misleading allegations by the UNHCR. She also labeled the ruling as political, emphasizing that Rwanda wasn't on trial.

Despite the judgment, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak intends to continue the policy, considering legislation to designate Rwanda as a "safe" destination for deportees.