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UN agency condemns UK plan to send refugees to Africa — Analysis

The UNHCR said that sending refugees to Rwanda violates Britain’s international obligations

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) condemned the UK government’s plan to relocate illegal migrants to Rwanda, arguing that people “should not be traded like commodities.”

Responding to Thursday’s announcement of a new Migration and Economic Development Partnership between Britain and Rwanda, the UNHCR urged both sides “to re-think”The plans to not send asylum seekers or refugees to East Africa to process asylum claims.

“People fleeing war, conflict and persecution deserve compassion and empathy. They should not be traded like commodities and transferred abroad for processing,”Gillian Triggs was the UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, according to a statement.

According to her, it not only transfers asylum responsibilities but increases the risk for migrants. “the letter and spirit of the Refugee Convention.”

The UNHCR also pointed to the UK’s obligation “to ensure access to asylum for those seeking protection.”

“Those who are determined to be refugees can be integrated, while those who are not and have no other legal basis to stay, can be returned in safety and dignity to their country of origin,”The UN agency stated.

UK can send illegal migrants to Rwanda – Johnson

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, revealing the £120 million ($158 million) deal, justified it by saying that while Britain’s “compassion may be infinite,”The UK’s capacity to aid people is insufficient. He stated that the UK had provided refuge to over 185,000 refugees since 2015. The UK is currently welcoming. “unlimited numbers”Ukrainian refugees. The Migration Partnership with Rwanda, in Johnson’s opinion, will come not only as a relief for the UK social services, but also as a powerful instrument to disrupt the business of people smugglers.

The media reports that the prime minister would like to see Rwanda’s first migrants leave within six weeks.

Some people supported the initiative, despite widespread condemnation. Marine Le Pen, a right-wing candidate for the French presidency from National Rally Party Marine Le Pen said Friday to the BFM News channel that the initiative was being supported. “could work,”She also said that “there are more efficient methods.”

The UK has had a problem with illegal migration for many years. Despite numerous deaths, the number of people trying to cross the English Channel is steadily increasing.

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