International
Rwanda will keep doors open to asylum seekers and refugees
The
Judicial Review into the UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development
Partnership is in high gear. September also marks a milestone for Rwanda — the
third anniversary of the first flight of refugees and asylum seekers evacuated
from Libya to Rwanda.
The
agreement, signed in 2019 between the Government of Rwanda, the UNHCR and the
African Union has now seen 1,075 vulnerable people, who had been held in
dangerous and life-threatening detention centres in Libya, moved to safety in
Rwanda.
Boarding school
And
in September 2021, the School of Leadership Afghanistan, the first and only
girls boarding school in Afghanistan, rapidly relocated 250 staff and students
to Rwanda and restarted in Kigali. The founder Shabana Basij-Rasikh speaking at
June’s Commonwealth Women’s Forum in Kigali said: “We are sincerely grateful
for the generosity of Rwanda and Rwandans for welcoming us when the Taliban
took over Afghanistan.”
From
1996 onwards Rwanda has received 76,530 refugees from neighbouring DRC in
separate waves and, alongside the UNCHR we have provided them with safety and
opportunity.
Rwanda
currently hosts more than 130,000 refugees and asylum seekers, all handled in
accordance with international law.
All
those seeking sanctuary in Rwanda have the same opportunities as citizens to
build and make their lives. They have a right to education, to equality before
the law, employment and health services to mention a few.
Tragic history
The
country’s policies have been shaped by our tragic history. Twenty eight years
ago, the Genocide against the Tutsi left over one million dead and destroyed
the very fabric of our society. But Rwanda was liberated from the shackles of
ethnic extremism, exclusion, persecution, and a new nation emerged. Rwandans
made a pact with their government, and with themselves to be united.
Rwanda’s
new leaders nurtured an inclusive and welcoming society where all Rwandans and
non-Rwandans on our territory find equality before the law, safety, security
and equal opportunity. Our open-door policy to refugees is born from this
enduring spirit.
Whether
those in need come from Libya, Afghanistan, DR Congo, Burundi or the UK, Rwanda
has this deep connection to all who seek sanctuary and will willingly provide
them with hope, a new home and the chance to integrate and contribute to our
society.
New or strange
There
is nothing new or strange in respect to migrants being relocated to Rwanda from
the UK or anywhere else. We have a solid, undeniable, constantly improving, and
decades-long track record.
Rwanda's
commitment to humanitarian intervention in the face of the global migration
crisis, will not be deterred.
We
will continue to work with the UN, multilateral and bilateral partners,
including the UK, to be part of the solution.
Johnston Busingye is Rwanda’s High
Commissioner to the UK