Rwanda Human Rights 2022-04-26
2022-04-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the human rights situation in Rwanda, particularly regarding political opposition, civil society and media freedom.
What recent assessment has the Department made of the human rights situation in Rwanda, especially concerning restrictions on political opposition, civil society and media freedom?
Rwanda respects the rule of law with a strong record on economic and social rights for migrants. However, we are concerned about restrictions on political opposition, civil society and media freedom, regularly expressing those concerns to members of the Rwandan Government.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There are disturbing reports that adults who were orphaned during the Rwandan genocide are being told to leave hostels to make room for UK asylum seekers.
How does the Minister reconcile the information about displaced genocide orphans with her Government's commitment to being a force for good in the world?
Rwanda welcomes refugees with strong protection of their rights since 2019. Last month, 119 asylum seekers were sent to Rwanda by the UN, describing it as a safe country. The hon. Gentleman's points are noted.
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Assessment & feedback
Details about displaced genocide orphans and UK asylum seekers
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
According to the Foreign Office, homosexuality remains frowned upon by many in Rwanda, and LGBTQ+ people face discrimination and abuse.
What account will the UK Government take of LGBTQ+ discrimination before deporting refugees there?
Rwanda does not have laws against homosexuality and prohibits discrimination, though LGBT individuals may face some discrimination. We work with the Government and community to improve their situation.
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Assessment & feedback
Details about forced deportation of LGBTQ+ refugees
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Human Rights Watch reported that Rwandan authorities had arbitrarily detained over a dozen gay and transgender people, accused of not representing Rwandan values.
Is the Minister seriously saying that LGBTQ+ refugees are safe in Rwanda?
Our agreement with Rwanda ensures people will be kept safe. However, Rwanda has strong economic growth and women's equality, better vaccination rates than other African countries, and lower crime rates compared to the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Recent reports of arbitrary detention and violence against LGBT individuals
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns about human rights are overshadowed by the dangers posed by organized crime groups trafficking people across the channel.
Does my hon. Friend agree that the worst threat to human rights is from organized criminals, and does she support our plan as the only solution?
I agree with my hon. Friend. Doing nothing is not an option when people's lives are at risk from crossing the channel in small boats. We need new innovative solutions and partnerships to stop this deadly trade.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
The Government's Rwanda deal is seen as a strong deterrent to those who might cross the channel dangerously.
Will the Minister join me in welcoming the Government's landmark Rwanda deal, which has been acting as a strong deterrent?
I thank my hon. Friend for his comments. Our £120 million investment will help Rwandans surmount barriers to growth and create jobs, benefiting both Rwandans and asylum seekers settling there.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister's statements about the human rights record of Rwanda contradict previous concerns raised by a former minister. There are also questions about media freedom.
Is the reason why certain media outlets were blocked from joining the Home Secretary's trip to Rwanda because they would criticize the policy?
I have been consistent. We express concerns about restrictions on political freedom, civil society and media but note Rwanda's strong record protecting refugees. The headteacher of Afghanistan's only girls' school praised their reception in Rwanda.
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Reasons behind blocking certain media outlets
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the government's policy regarding small boats in the channel and the misgivings among Foreign Office officials. He mentions the lack of support from NGOs for this policy.
We think this is a disastrous policy that will not do anything about small boats in the channel, but let us put that to one side. The Minister and the Foreign Secretary must be aware of the grave misgivings among Foreign Office officials about this policy. Can they name a single non-governmental organisation that is in favour of it? Are they just glossing over the human rights concerns about the Rwandan Government? An international development partnership with Rwanda is one thing, but this is entirely different.
We are absolutely not glossing over our concerns about rights when it comes to, for example, space for political opposition, civil rights and media freedom. Indeed, I met the permanent secretary of the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in London earlier this year and made those points to her. However, to break the people trafficking model that is causing lives to be put at risk in our channel, things need to be done; doing nothing is not an option.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about naming NGOs in favour of the policy and addressing human rights concerns was not directly answered.
Doing Nothing Is Not An Option
Response accuracy