Rwandan government insists the country IS safe for asylum seekers following the UK’s Supreme Court ruling

• Rwanda now stands to lose out on the £120 million scheme from Westminster

Rwanda has furiously hit back at claims that it is not a safe country for asylum seekers.

The government in Kigali said it had been recognised by the United Nations for its ‘exemplary treatment of refugees’, and took ‘our humanitarian responsibilities seriously’.

Rwanda now stands to lose out on crucial cash from Westminster, more than 18 months after the £120 million scheme was announced by then home secretary Priti Patel.

Kigali defended itself after the Supreme Court yesterday ruled there would be a risk of it returning asylum seekers to face ‘ill treatment’ in the country they had fled and face further persecution, known as refoulement.

Yolande Makolo, a Rwandan government spokesperson, said: ‘This is ultimately a decision for the UK’s judicial system.

Yolande Makolo, a Rwandan government spokesperson said Rwanda had been recognised by the United Nations for its ‘exemplary treatment of refugees’

Rwanda has furiously hit back at claims that it is not a safe country for asylum seekers (Pictured: Hope Hostel which was preparing to welcome migrants from the UK)

‘However, we do take issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe third country for asylum seekers and refugees, in terms of refoulement.

‘Rwanda and the UK have been working together to ensure the integration of relocated asylum seekers into Rwandan society.

‘Rwanda is committed to its international obligations and we have been recognised by the UNHCR and other international institutions for our exemplary treatment of refugees.

‘We’ve been busy continuing to deliver progress for Rwandans and working together with international partners to solve some of the biggest challenges that Africa and the wider world face.

‘We take our humanitarian responsibilities seriously.’

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