Powys refugee group call government's Rwanda plans “deplorable”

Under the £120 million scheme, announced last week, people deemed to have entered the UK unlawfully will be flown to the east African country, where they would be processed and, if successful, be allowed to apply for the right to settle there.

It has faced widespread opposition, with more than 160 charities and campaign groups urging ministers to scrap what they described as a cruel policy. It has also been criticised by opposition parties and some Conservatives – as well as the Powys-based Knighton and District Refugee Support Group (KDRSG).

“As a group with over 60 members from all walks of life who recognise the need for support for all refugees, we deplore the government’s latest proposals to deport refugees and asylum seekers to Rwanda,” said the group in a statement.

“We see it as a plan to send thousands of frightened, exploited disenfranchised people to central Africa at our expense. What is clear is that there would be no boats in the Channel if safe routes were provided for those fleeing war and conflict. The prime minister, home secretary and others repeatedly refer to illegal migrants when they are not; claiming asylum is perfectly legal and part of the internationally agreed systems for assisting those fleeing persecution and conflict.

The Knighton and District Refugee Support Group meeting refugees who fled to the UK in 2019

“We regard any political commentary that suggests this is a good way to break the business model of the traffickers as disingenuous.”

There appears to be widespread confusion as to the exact plan of the UK Government, with some suggesting those sent to Rwanda will be offered asylum there, their claims being processed within three months. It is further suggested those who are successful will be able to stay for at least five years with a training and support package. Other reports imply the government will pay Rwanda to hold them indefinitely while their applications for asylum are processed.

“The proposal carries elements of the Australian system which deported refugees and migrants offshore to Manus Island, a scheme which was widely criticised amidst reports of violence, suicide and inhumane treatment of refugees and asylum seekers held in prison-like conditions,” continued the KDRSG statement.

“We are also aware that Rwanda has its own troubles, making it a highly unsuitable country for such a scheme in any event. In Rwanda the Covid-19 crisis is dramatically increasing poverty and threatening human capital.

“We say that global displacement of people is a global issue which should be addressed by a humane and considered global response and not used for political stunts in which those fleeing war and persecution become the victims.

“We are in the midst of a European refugee crisis which, yet again, reveals the lack of humanitarian values held by our government. People fleeing war are kept in limbo, trying to work through an arcane visa and sponsorship process frustrating the plans to bring them to safety that so many British people are trying to secure.

“There must be a better, responsive, more humane way for the UK to take responsibility for our relationships with people from around the world, whether they have present and historic bonds with us or not.”

The group is encouraging Powys residents to write to Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones to voice their displeasure and concerns over the scheme.

In addition, the Welsh Liberal Democrats last week branded Welsh Secretary of State Simon Hart’s comments in a Sky News interview on the subject a “disgrace”.

Simon Hart has defended the UK Government's decision

It came after Mr Hart defended the government’s new plan, calling it a “really humane step forward” and describing Rwanda's human rights record as good despite his own government slamming the African country over the issue last year.

“Once again Simon Hart has shown he has absolutely no backbone,” said Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds.

“He should be deeply ashamed of himself for defending this cruel and unnecessary policy, it is truly a disgrace.

“The Conservative government's plan to offshore refugees thousands of kilometres from the UK is unbelievably cruel.

“The fact they plan to offshore them to an authoritarian police state with numerous human rights abuses only makes it even more sickening.

“If that wasn’t enough the scheme will cost up to £1.4 billion a year to implement, much more than the current asylum system.

“The conflict in Ukraine has shown the Welsh public are welcoming to refugees, Simon Hart and the Conservatives are completely out of touch.”

To find out more about the KDRSG, or to make a donation, email them on knightonrsg@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.