The UK government is contemplating the possibility of deporting asylum seekers to a former Soviet republic, sparking concerns among human rights advocates.
This move underscores the challenges faced by migrants seeking refuge and raises questions about the UK’s asylum policies. Advocates warn of the potential risks and hardships faced by deportees in the destination country, urging authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. The proposal highlights the complexities of immigration policies and calls for a humane approach to addressing the needs of asylum seekers.
The United Kingdom has initiated discussions with Armenia regarding the implementation of a migrant deportation program akin to the controversial agreement with Rwanda, as per The Times report. Leaked documents have disclosed that the British government is actively seeking an alternative third-party country due to opposition faced over the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing.
In addition to Armenia, London has engaged in negotiations with Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire), Costa Rica, and Botswana, as reported by The Times. Civil servants are reportedly evaluating potential countries based on criteria such as territorial size and population for feasibility.
The UK had previously entered a five-year deal with Rwanda in April 2022 for the processing of illegal immigrants’ asylum claims in the African nation. Despite arguments by ministers that the plan would discourage individuals from attempting boat crossings to the UK via the English Channel, the first flight was canceled in June of the same year following intervention by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Additionally, the UK’s highest court has deemed Rwanda unsafe for deportees.
The British Parliament is scheduled to discuss the Safety of Rwanda Bill on Monday, a new draft law introduced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government to prevent further legal challenges to the deportation scheme. The legislation has encountered significant opposition in both the House of Lords and Commons, with accusations of breaching international human rights laws.
Sunak’s office recently announced that flights to Rwanda are expected to resume in the spring, although no specific date was provided. The Central African nation has a history marred by a genocide that occurred following a civil war three decades ago, resulting in the deaths of over a million people.
Armenia, a landlocked country in the Caucasus region and a former Soviet Union constituent, has been engaged in discussions with the UK regarding the migrant deportation program. Over the past decade, Armenia has been grappling with various challenges and developments.
