Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the remarks by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on 14 April that they "remain firmly opposed to arrangements that seek to transfer refugees and asylum seekers to third countries in the absence of sufficient safeguards and standards".

Safeguards and assurances were considered throughout the development of the Migration and Economic Development Partnership between the UK and Rwanda, and have been included in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). For example, the MoU provides for the creation of a Joint Committee and a Monitoring Committee to oversee the Partnership and provide ongoing assurances.

The Home Office Country Policy and Information Team also carried out an assessment of Rwanda’s asylum system and investigated potential human rights issues. More information on its findings can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rwanda-country-policy-and-information-notes

It should be noted that the UNHCR said, in a 2020 press notice, that Rwanda has been welcoming refugees for over two decades. It added that the country offers a safe and protective environment to all asylum seekers and refugees.