The British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's attempts to curb record immigration levels in the UK have faced a major setback when the country's highest court ruled that his plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda were unlawful. However, after months of negotiations and a new treaty with Rwanda, the controversial bill was finally passed in Parliament, paving the way for the deportation of tens of thousands of refugees. The move has been met with criticism, with critics denouncing it as inhumane and cruel. This news comes hours after the deaths of five people, including a seven-year-old girl, in a separate attempt to cross the English Channel from France.
Rwanda Deportation Scheme Setback and Sunak's Immigration Crackdown
Background
In April 2022, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to deport asylum seekers arriving illegally in the UK to Rwanda for processing. The move was seen as an attempt to deter people from making perilous journeys across the English Channel.
However, the scheme faced legal challenges, with critics arguing that it was inhumane and violated international law. In June 2022, the High Court ruled that the scheme was unlawful.
After months of negotiations, the UK and Rwanda signed a new agreement in October 2022, clearing the way for the deportation flights to resume.
Controversy
The scheme has faced widespread criticism from human rights groups, charities, and opposition politicians. They argue that sending refugees to a country with a poor human rights record is inhumane and violates their basic rights.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has also criticized the plan, saying it "risks shifting the burden of responsibility" for protecting refugees to a country with limited capacity.
Criticism and Setback
In December 2022, the UK government was dealt a fresh blow when the Court of Appeal ruled that the deportation flights could not proceed. The court found that there was a real risk of asylum seekers being subjected to torture and ill-treatment in Rwanda.
Despite the setback, Sunak has vowed to press ahead with his plans. The government is expected to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
Aftermath
The controversy over the Rwanda scheme comes amid a wider crackdown on immigration in the UK. Sunak has pledged to reduce overall immigration figures and introduce stricter border controls.
Critics argue that these measures are unnecessary and harmful, and that they will damage the UK's economy and reputation.
Top 5 FAQs
Why is the UK deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda? To deter illegal migration and reduce immigration levels.
Is the scheme legal? The legality of the scheme is currently under dispute. The High Court ruled it was unlawful, but the Court of Appeal later overturned that decision.
When will the deportations start? The deportations cannot start until the legal challenges have been fully resolved.
How many asylum seekers will be deported? The government has not specified how many asylum seekers will be deported, but it is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
Is the scheme humane? Critics argue that the scheme is inhumane and violates the rights of refugees. However, the UK government maintains that it is a safe and necessary measure.
In a historic first, India will host the International Cooperative Alliance's global conference and General Assembly, where Prime Minister Modi will launch the 'United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025'. The event will be held in New Delhi from November 25-30 and will see over 3,000 delegates, including esteemed guests from Bhutan and Fiji. Despite challenges, the event will showcase India's commitment to the global cooperative movement and highlight the importance of cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.
In a surprising turn of events, Kenyan President William Ruto has cancelled two major deals with India's Adani Group after its founder was indicted in the US for corruption. The deals, worth nearly $2 billion, included a 30-year lease for control of the country's main airport and a partnership to construct power transmission lines. Ruto cited "new information" from investigative agencies and partner nations as the reason for the cancellation, drawing thunderous applause from lawmakers in his state of the nation address. The move has sparked concerns about transparency and value for money in these deals, which have faced criticism from politicians and the public.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group Security Strategic Working Group, comprising representatives from all MSG member states, has successfully completed their sixth workshop meeting in Honiara last week. They have discussed the outcomes of their consultations with NGOs and CSOs in each member country, and agreed on the next steps to finalize the MSG Peace and Security Strategy. This is seen as a significant step for the sub-region in facing common threats, and the finalized report will be tabled at the upcoming Police Commissioner's and Police Minister's Meeting in Indonesia next year.
A video claiming to show Indian and Chinese armed forces chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ amid the recent disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh has been circulating on social media. However, the truth is that the video is not recent and has been on the internet since January 2024. It was originally shared as footage of Indian Army personnel chanting the slogan after the consecration of the idol of Hindu deity Ram at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. A keyword search led to several news reports from January 2024, clarifying that the video is not recent and its authenticity has not been verified.
A group of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng, Laos fell ill after a night out on November 12th, possibly from drinking tainted alcohol. As of now, five deaths have been confirmed, including a British lawyer identified as Simone White and a young Australian woman. The Australian Prime Minister has expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of Bianca Jones and hopes for the recovery of her friend, Holly Bowles. Western government officials are supporting the families of the victims and urging caution for travelers in the popular backpacking destination.
Laishram Herojit, a low-level government worker, has appealed for the safe return of his family who went missing after an encounter between suspected Kuki insurgents and security forces in Manipur. Two women, including Herojit's wife, and an eight-year-old child are among the six people who went missing. Herojit has called for the release of his innocent family and has appealed to any group that may be holding them hostage to return them unharmed. He recalls getting a call from his wife during the violence, which later got disconnected, and a Bengali friend later informed him that they were taken away in a boat.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister, and two Hamas officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite rejection from Mr. Netanyahu's office, the court's decision highlights international concern over the 13-month war in Gaza and the 2023 attack on Israel. While the warrants may limit the suspects' movements, the practical implications are limited as Israel and the US are not members of the court.
Guyana's President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a ceremony at the State House, conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country's highest civilian honour, the 'Order of Excellence'. Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, expressed his gratitude and dedicated the honour to India's 1.4 billion people. This recognition is a testament to India's strong commitment towards deepening friendship with Guyana and demonstrates the country's unbiased approach towards international relations.
As the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years, PM Modi's arrival marks a momentous occasion for the community. The Indian diaspora, which makes up over 40% of Guyana's population, eagerly awaits the world leader and shanti-doot who strives to unite the world and propel India into its golden age. PM Modi's visit marks a significant moment for the Indian community, deeply rooted in their traditions and eagerly showcasing their vibrant culture to welcome the Prime Minister. During this visit, PM Modi will also co-chair the second India-CARICOM Summit with the Prime Minister of Grenada, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration.
In a move to slow Russian advances in Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has approved the provision of anti-personnel mines to the Ukrainian military. This comes as reports state that North Korean troops have joined Russian marines and airborne units in battles throughout the country. The addition of anti-personnel mines marks a new level of assistance from the US in the ongoing conflict, with the mines being more deadly and longer-lasting than the previously provided anti-tank mines. Meanwhile, Ukraine's air defence units are actively working to repel a Russian air attack on the capital city of Kyiv.