UK Parliament / Open data

UK-Rwanda Partnership

Proceeding contribution from James Cleverly (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 6 December 2023. It occurred during Ministerial statement on UK-Rwanda Partnership.

The Supreme Court, when it handed down its decision, focused on two elements of the situation in Rwanda. One was about the capacity of its judicial system, in particular with decisions on refugees. We have worked with Rwanda to improve that situation. The treaty underpins the fantastic work the Rwandans have done with us and others to strengthen their institutions. The judgment also spoke about the fear of refoulement, and the treaty will ensure that that will not happen.

I was also struck that the Supreme Court, in its judgment, made heavy reference to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The UNHCR was critical of Rwanda, and yet on the day after the judgment was handed down by their lordships, it flew 160-plus refugees to Rwanda. I judge it by its actions, not necessarily by its words. Rwanda has made huge progress with our help and that of others, so it is now in a situation where it can sign a treaty that protects refugees sent there. I am very confident that that will be the case.

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
742 c440 
Session
2023-24
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
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