Rwanda Accuses U.N. Refugee Agency of Falsehoods in UK Asylum Policy Case

Rwanda criticised the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) for making false claims that asylum seekers transferred to the country could be relocated to nations where they may be subjected to torture or death.

UNHCR’s legal representatives contended that Rwanda’s asylum process was insufficient while challenging the UK government’s deportation policy for asylum seekers to Rwanda.

They argued that this policy exposed asylum seekers to the risk of refoulement, a key factor in the UK Supreme Court’s ruling declaring the UK’s strategy illegal.

Rwanda’s government spokesperson accused UNHCR of dishonesty and spreading unfounded accusations in UK courts regarding Rwanda’s treatment of asylum seekers.

UNHCR has consistently voiced apprehensions about the dangers refugees encounter through “externalisation,” particularly refoulement.

Rwanda’s government asserts that the instances highlighted by UNHCR attorneys in court involved the entry of individuals with legal status in other countries who did not meet its admission criteria or individuals departing voluntarily.