Critics deride Boris Johnson plan to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda
AxiosMAR 28 2022
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The Rwanda plan isn't only an ineffective policy that violates the UN Refugee Convention (1951), it's also a disgrace to Britain and its role on the global stage. The UK can't dodge its responsibilities by offshoring and outsourcing its asylum system – especially not to Rwanda, which has a known track record of human rights violations. A solution can only be reached when root causes are tackled and a fair, humane asylum system is created.
Pro-establishment narrative
The global asylum system is broken and those criticizing the Rwanda plan have failed to offer any alternative. The African country is safe, secure, and known to help refugees without discrimination – besides, case-by-case analyses will prevent potentially inappropriate transfers, complying with domestic and international norms. This is the best way to prevent people smugglers profiteering from abuse.