Recently, the UK passed the Safety of Rwanda Bill. It declared the African country a safe place for asylum seekers to be sent while their asylum applications are processed.
Well, in case you haven’t noticed, a rampant war is raging on Rwanda’s border with the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. Last week, two bombs hit displacement camps near Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, killing at least 35, including children, and injuring many more.
Fingers were pointed at M23, a rebel group with links to the Rwandan government. Kigali denies the connection and blamed Congolese militias for the attack. But you can see our point. In the last 30 years, the war has killed over 6 million and displaced millions more. Rwanda is not a ‘safe’ region of the world, and critics argue that it is one of the key sources of instability.
The UK’s scheme has suffered global condemnation. There are fears over the ill-treatment of migrants upon deportation from the UK and the Rwandan government’s commitment to international obligations. The UN and Council of Europe warn it raises major issues about the rights of asylum seekers. Charities describe it as ‘shameful’ and ‘Orwellian.’
Sadly, British leader Rishi Sunak begs to differ. When the law passed through parliament, he said: ‘I am proud to have brought forward this landmark legislation, which will help to stop the boats and keep our country safe.’
Too bad for the safety of refugees fleeing war and famine.
Cartoon credit @LatuffCartoons