Kigali, 5 December 2023 - The signing of treaty today reaffirms Rwanda’s commitment to making the Migration and Economic Development Partnership work. 

The new treaty will re-emphasize, in a binding manner, already existing commitments that address concerns raised in the legal process about the protection of asylum seekers. It will also see the introduction of a new appeals tribunal, to be established under Rwandan law and overseen by two co-presidents, one Rwandan and one drawn from another Commonwealth country, and a panel of judges from various nationalities, who will hear appeals in the event an applicant’s asylum claim is turned down.

The Rwanda/UK Migration and Economic Development Partnership is a bold new approach to deter the dangerous migration journeys which are causing untold suffering, while also addressing the global imbalance of economic opportunity, which is the underlying causes of mass irregular migration – the boats will not be completely stopped unless we reverse the lack of opportunity, and the insecurity, in countries around the world.

This partnership also reflects Rwanda’s commitment to protecting vulnerable people. We have a proven record of offering a home to migrants and refugees from around the world. Anyone who comes to Rwanda under this agreement will be welcomed and given the safety and support they need to build new lives in our country.

We believe today’s treaty provides the necessary assurances that will allow the partnership to move forward.