Paul Rusesabagina questioned on human rights situation in Rwanda
The Joint Committee on Human Rights continues its inquiry into the human rights of asylum seekers in the UK with an evidence session examining the human rights situation in Rwanda.
Meeting details
Following the Supreme Court’s judgment that plans to remove asylum seekers to Rwanda were incompatible with the UK’s obligations under domestic and international human rights law, the Government renegotiated the terms of its agreement with Rwanda and introduced new legislation with the aim of overcoming these barriers.
According to the Government, the new treaty contains enhanced human rights protections and safeguards covering the treatment of any individuals sent to Rwanda. It would also establish that, as a matter of UK law, Rwanda must be treated as a safe country, prohibiting all domestic courts from considering any review or appeal brought on the grounds that it is unsafe.
In this evidence session, the Joint Committee will take evidence on the realities of the human rights situation in Rwanda. Paul Rusesabagina will set out his experiences as a critic of the Rwandan government and human rights defender. It will also hear from Lewis Mudge from Human Rights Watch on his organisation’s findings on the human rights situation in Rwanda, and whether the provisions of the UK-Rwanda treaty can guarantee the human rights of asylum seekers sent there.