Rwanda to establish special court for refugees, asylum seekers

The government has announced the establishment of a special court to address cases and legal matters concerning refugees and asylum seekers. This decision comes as part of the amended Rwanda-UK asylum seekers treaty, currently under review by the lower chamber committee on foreign affairs, cooperation, and security. ALSO READ: MPs grant preliminary approval to UK-Rwanda migration deal The Minister of Justice, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Clementine Mukeka, made the revelation on February 26 before the committee on foreign affairs, cooperation, and security. The initiative is outlined in the revised agreement between Rwanda and the UK treaty regarding the reception of immigrants who entered the UK illegally. The special court will be presided over by a Rwandan judge who will collaborate with judges from Commonwealth countries, alongside experienced jurists in refugee and human rights matters from other nations. ALSO READ: UK lawmakers vote in favour of new migration treaty with Rwanda Mukeka emphasized that the court's objective is to assist all asylum seekers comprehensively, irrespective of their origin, ensuring fairness and equality in treatment. She said, “We do not want to treat refugees from the UK any differently than those from elsewhere. We want to do it comprehensively and it will improve the system in general to avoid any favored treaty.” ALSO READ: Five things to know about Rwanda-UK migration treaty Alice Muzana, the Vice chairperson of the Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security Commission in Parliament, expressed confidence in the agreement's implementation. Ugirashebuja reiterated Rwanda's commitment to honoring the agreement's provisions with the UK. He highlighted the instance where Rwandan courts have overturned decisions made by administrative bodies, demonstrating the judiciary's independence and commitment to justice.

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Rwanda to establish special court for refugees, asylum seekers