On Tuesday, the British Parliament passed a law allowing asylum seekers to be flown to Rwanda to await a decision. This law has faced significant criticism from the UN and the EU, who argue that the human rights of migrants may be violated. Retired crime commissioner Thomas Elfgren, who has experience in Rwanda, believes that the country has made significant strides in terms of development and safety since the 1994 genocide.
The debate in the British Parliament regarding the safety of Rwanda as a destination for asylum seekers has been contentious. While some argue that Rwanda is a safe country, others disagree. The main goal of the law is to deter individuals from attempting dangerous journeys to reach Britain by making Rwanda the designated location for asylum seekers to await a decision.
Despite some support for the outsourcing of the asylum process to countries like Rwanda, critics raise concerns about human rights violations and the potential for arbitrary treatment of individuals. Some have also questioned the affordability and sustainability of the British model, raising issues about how Rwanda would handle an influx of immigrants in the future.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen has expressed support for the outsourcing of the European asylum system, emphasizing the need to prevent entry to Europe specifically. This approach raises questions about the broader implications for asylum seekers and the international right to asylum. Elfgren highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues such as social and economic inequality that drive people to seek asylum.
Overall, the debate surrounding the outsourcing of asylum applications is complex and raises important questions about the protection of human rights, the affordability of such systems, and the long-term implications for asylum seekers. Elfgren emphasizes the need to address the root causes of migration and create safe pathways for individuals in need of asylum.