The Rwanda Act, a new law approved by the British Parliament, allows asylum seekers to be sent to Rwanda while their applications are being processed. However, the proposal has received criticism from various organizations, including the UN and EU, who argue that it violates human rights of migrants. Retired crime commissioner Thomas Elfgren, who has close ties to Rwanda, supports the idea of sending asylum seekers to the country but raises concerns about its cost and potential risks.
Elfgren believes that Rwanda has made significant progress since the 1994 genocide and is now a safe place for asylum seekers. He also supports the British government’s aim to deter human trafficking by sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. However, he questions whether Rwanda can handle a growing number of immigrants and whether the system could potentially violate international asylum laws. Elfgren suggests that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of migration, such as social and economic inequality and climate issues.
While Finland also supports outsourcing the European asylum system, Elfgren believes that more consideration should be given to its implications. He questions whether flying asylum seekers to Rwanda is cost-effective and whether it truly addresses the issue of human trafficking. Instead, he suggests that resources should be used to create safer routes for asylum seekers in need.
In conclusion, Elfgren acknowledges the need for measures to address migration challenges but emphasizes the importance of upholding international asylum laws and ensuring that migrants’ rights are protected. He believes that a comprehensive approach is needed to address migration’s root causes and create safer pathways for those seeking asylum.