According to Al Jazeera, the British government has initiated the detention of asylum seekers as part of a new initiative to deport them to Rwanda. The government has announced that the first flights are scheduled to depart as early as July. Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that their enforcement teams are working diligently to swiftly detain those who do not have the right to be in the country, in order to facilitate the departure of the flights. This confirmation of the detainment procedures comes after the recent enactment of legislation that designates Rwanda as a safe third country, bypassing a previous ruling by the UK Supreme Court that deemed the scheme unlawful on human rights grounds. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has pledged to reduce migrant arrivals via small boats from mainland Europe, emphasized that detentions would take place promptly before the deportation flights, which are set to begin within “10 to 12 weeks.” The UK’s Home Office has also released visual documentation, describing it as “another major milestone” in the Rwanda deportation plan, showcasing immigration enforcement officers detaining individuals at various locations using handcuffs.
In response to recent events, Freedom from Torture charity strongly criticized the government’s actions, stating, “This government has completely lost its sense of compassion.”
A high-ranking government official revealed that the government is planning to deport 5,700 individuals this year, following Rwanda’s tentative agreement to accept this number. However, authorities have lost contact with thousands of potential deportees, with only 2,143 currently located for detention, leaving more than 3,500 unaccounted for.
Assurances have been given by government officials that enforcement teams will track down these individuals, with commercial charter planes already booked and an airport ready for use.
With over 7,500 arrivals via small boats from France this year, the government argues that this policy will serve as a deterrent against dangerous English Channel crossings.
Following a Supreme Court ruling last November, human rights organizations and unions opposed to the policy are preparing to launch new legal challenges to stop the deportation flights.
Natasha Tsangarides, associate director of advocacy at Freedom from Torture, highlighted the widespread fear among asylum seekers, cautioning that the threat of detention and deportation to Rwanda could force some to go into hiding and cut off ties with their support systems.
Rwanda, home to 13 million people in Africa’s Great Lakes region, is praised for its stability and modern infrastructure. However, rights groups criticize President Paul Kagame for governing in an environment of repression, marked by restrictions on dissent and freedom of speech.
