KIGALI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Tuesday denied allegations that it is endangering the lives of asylum seekers, accusing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) of "fabricating" claims aimed at undermining the country's welcoming policy.
This came after the UN Refugee Agency warned British judges it may have new evidence from 2024 that Rwanda has endangered asylum seekers, despite the British Parliament passing a law declaring the East African country safe.
In the latest intervention against the British policy of sending migrants to Rwanda, the UNHCR told the British High Court Monday that it is investigating new allegations of abuses, including allegations of individuals potentially being sent to countries where they could be tortured.
A judge has granted the UN agency permission to prepare a dossier before a flight of asylum seekers can leave the United Kingdom.
A statement issued late Tuesday by the office of the Rwandan government spokesperson said the "UNHCR is lying."
"The organization seems intent on presenting fabricated allegations to UK courts about the country's treatment of asylum seekers, while still partnering with us to bring African migrants from Libya to safety in Rwanda through the emergency transit mechanism," read the statement.
It said one of the cases that the UNHCR has referred to relates to a man who was denied asylum in the Seychelles, and the UN agency in South Africa unilaterally decided he should be given asylum in Rwanda without consulting the government.
"As we have said time and again Rwanda does not refoule asylum seekers. The UNHCR seems intent on undermining the safety of Rwanda within UK courts," the statement added.
It said Rwanda remains committed to upholding all its obligations as a signatory to the Refugee Convention.
"We will continue to provide safety and opportunity to those fleeing conflict."
Britain reached a deal with Rwanda in April 2022 that would enable sending some migrants who arrive in the UK across the English Channel to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed.
In April, UK lawmakers passed the Safety of Rwanda Bill, paving the way for Britain to send asylum seekers who arrive without permission to Rwanda. ■
