Seven migrants deported from the US have arrived in Rwanda, marking the beginning of a controversial arrangement facilitating the transfer of migrants under a deal arranged during Donald Trump's presidency. According to Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo, the first group landed in mid-August.
Details regarding the migrants' nationalities were not disclosed; however, it was confirmed that four have chosen to stay in Rwanda while three opted for repatriation to their home countries.
Human rights activists have voiced concerns over the legality of such deportations, emphasizing that sending individuals back to countries with known risks of torture or mistreatment may violate international law.
Despite the warnings, Rwanda remains committed to the agreement, asserting a provision of appropriate support and protection for the migrants. It has been highlighted that each migrant will receive assistance from an international organization and will have their needs evaluated by the International Organization on Migration (IOM) as well as local social services.
Former President Trump implemented a stark immigration stance, focusing on mass deportations since assuming office for his second term. His administration has secured acceptance from at least a dozen countries to take in deported migrants, marking a significant change in international migration policies.
In the context of Rwanda’s humanitarian efforts, Makolo noted that the country has a history of supporting displaced individuals, rooted in its own experiences during the genocide of the 1990s. Rwanda has previously engaged in resettling migrants through its agreements with the UN refugee agency and the African Union, with nearly 3,000 refugees from Libya evacuated to Rwanda in recent years.
This current situation draws further attention as Rwanda had also previously signed a deal with the UK, aimed at accepting asylum seekers, which was canceled after a change in government. The exact nature of financial arrangements regarding this latest deal with the US remains unclear.
Amid these developments, the international community continues to scrutinize Rwanda’s human rights record, questioning the safety and well-being of migrants arriving in the nation.
