UK Supreme Court Rejects Contentious Rwanda Migrant Policy, Dealing Blow to Prime Minister Sunak

Uk Supreme Court Rejects Contentious Rwanda Migrant Policy, Dealing Blow To Prime Minister Sunak

The UK Supreme Court rejected the government’s controversial plan to send migrants to Rwanda. The court upheld a previous ruling by the Court of Appeal, declaring the policy unlawful and incompatible with the country’s international obligations.

The five-judge panel unanimously agreed with the lower court’s assessment that sending migrants to Rwanda would expose them to a real risk of ill-treatment. The judges concurred with concerns that Rwanda could forcibly return asylum seekers and refugees to their countries of origin, where they might face persecution.

The rejected plan, signed as a deal with Rwanda in April of last year, aimed to establish interim centre’s in Rwanda for undocumented migrants. The initiative sought to address the issue of “illegal” immigration via small boats crossing the English Channel, which the ruling Conservative party considered a pressing concern ahead of the next general election.

The Supreme Court’s decision effectively nullifies the agreement with Rwanda and leaves Prime Minister Sunak’s immigration agenda in disarray. The ruling is also expected to deepen divisions within the Conservative Party between right-wing lawmakers advocating for more assertive measures and moderates seeking a balanced approach.

While acknowledging that the outcome was not desired, Sunak assured that the government had been working on a new treaty with Rwanda, taking into account the court’s judgment. He expressed readiness to revise domestic laws and reconsider international relationships if obstacles persist.

Critics of the Rwanda plan have denounced it as cruel, costly, and difficult to implement. The Rwandan government expressed disagreement with the ruling, asserting that it is a safe third country for migrants.

The UK government contends that the policy is vital to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel from France using unsafe vessels. Although the number of migrants making the journey has decreased this year compared to previous years, it still falls short of Sunak’s commitment to “stop the boats.”

The government argues that reducing both regular and irregular immigration is necessary to alleviate pressure on government-funded services, including healthcare and housing for asylum seekers. The current backlog of asylum cases in the UK stands at 122,585, down 12 percent from the record high in February. Meanwhile, net migration, the difference between people leaving and arriving in the country, reached a record 606,000 last year.

Given the limitations imposed by the Supreme Court’s ruling, the government may explore alternative agreements with other countries to address the issue of “illegal” arrivals. Newly-appointed Interior Minister James Cleverly suggested that other European nations were inclined to follow the UK’s approach.

The decision is likely to reignite calls from right-wing politicians, such as former Interior Minister Suella Braverman, for the UK to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). However, Sunak has thus far refrained from endorsing such a drastic move. Braverman criticized Sunak’s immigration policies, accusing him of betrayal and lacking the necessary resolve.

Deputy Chairman of the Tory party, Lee Anderson, called for defying the laws and immediately deporting migrants upon arrival. He characterized the court ruling as a dark day for the British people and urged the government to proceed with sending migrants to Rwanda.

The main opposition party, Labour, capitalized on the ruling, criticizing Sunak’s perceived lack of a serious plan to address dangerous boat crossings. Labour’s senior MP Yvette Cooper described the plan as unworkable and excessively costly, highlighting the government’s failure to formulate a robust and practical policy.

Migrant advocates welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, viewing it as a victory for the rights of individuals seeking safety and protection. The Refugee Council expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rights of men, women, and children fleeing persecution.

 

Source: ABC News

Rwanda President Kagame Declares Visa-Free Entry for All Africans

Rwanda President Kagame Declares Visa Free Entry For All Africans

In a groundbreaking announcement, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has revealed that the country will now allow visa-free entry for all African nationals. This progressive move aims to enhance the free movement of people and foster increased trade within the continent.

During his address at the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council, President Kagame expressed his belief that Africans hold the key to the future of global tourism. He stated, “Any African can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish, and they will not pay a thing to enter our country.”

Rwanda joins the ranks of Benin, Gambia, and Seychelles as the fourth African nation to implement such a policy. The announcement comes on the heels of Kenya’s President William Ruto’s recent declaration to permit visa-free travel for all Africans by December 31, further emphasizing the growing momentum towards open borders within the region.

President Ruto, speaking at an international summit in the Republic of Congo, highlighted the detrimental effects of visa restrictions on African countries. He emphasized that such limitations hinder the mobility of businesspeople and entrepreneurs, ultimately resulting in collective loss for the continent.

The decision by Rwanda and Kenya to open their doors to visa-free travel for Africans signifies a significant step towards fostering greater continental unity and economic integration. As more nations embrace this progressive approach, it is expected to pave the way for increased tourism, trade, and cultural exchange within Africa, ultimately benefiting the entire continent.

Edinburgh Academic Becomes UK’s First Deaf Professor in Deaf Studies

Edinburgh Academic Becomes Uk's First Deaf Professor In Deaf Studies

In a groundbreaking achievement, Annelies Kusters, a scholar at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, has made history by becoming the first deaf professor in the United Kingdom to specialise in Deaf Studies. With nearly two decades of research on deaf communities worldwide, Prof. Kusters’ promotion in the Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies establishes her as a leading authority in her field.

Expressing gratitude for the deaf lecturers and scholars who mentored her, Prof. Kusters emphasised her commitment to supporting and empowering future generations. Having received her education from deaf lecturers in Bristol, she now stands as the first academic in the UK to attain the rank of full professor in her area of expertise.

While Europe and the United States have already seen deaf professors in Deaf Studies and Sign Language Studies, the UK has now caught up with Prof. Kusters’ pioneering achievement. Deaf Studies, a discipline that has existed since the 1970s, focuses on understanding the lives of deaf and hearing-impaired individuals across the globe.

Prof. Kusters’ research has taken her to various countries, including Ghana, India, Surinam, Brazil, Kenya, Italy, Denmark, and France. Her interests lie in observing deaf people in their daily lives, exploring their modes of communication, and understanding their social interactions.

Aside from her academic pursuits, Prof. Kusters recently participated in a cabaret show at The Stand comedy club in Edinburgh. While using British Sign Language (BSL), she presented to the audience with the assistance of a translator conveying her message in verbal English.

Originally from Belgium, Prof. Kusters obtained her master’s degree from the University of Leuven before pursuing her Ph.D. in Deaf Studies at the University of Bristol. At Heriot-Watt, she is especially passionate about supporting other deaf scholars in their careers and leads a group called ‘Signs@HWU,’ which focuses on Deaf Studies, sign linguistics, and sign language interpreting studies within the university.

Prof. Kusters assumes various responsibilities at Heriot-Watt, including her role as co-director of engagement in the School of Social Sciences. She acknowledges the challenges of balancing her professional life with personal responsibilities, as she cares for her family with two children.

Prof. Jemina Napier, chair of intercultural communication at Heriot-Watt University, expressed immense pride in having the UK’s first deaf full professor. Recognising the significance of this milestone, Prof. Napier remarked that deaf scholars should have been leading in this field long ago. Prof. Kusters herself acknowledged the overdue nature of her achievement, emphasising that many of her deaf peers, including those who mentored her, could have occupied this pioneering position.

Prof. Kusters’ groundbreaking accomplishment not only marks a significant step forward for Deaf Studies in the UK but also serves as an inspiration for deaf academics around the world, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and representation in academic disciplines.

Jambo Radio Scotland Receives Community Organisation of the Year Award at the Black Scottish Awards

Jambo Radio Scotland Receives Community Organisation Of The Year Award At The Black Scottish Awards (4)

In a celebration of the achievements and contributions made by individuals and organisations within the Black community of Scotland, the Black Scottish Awards recognised Jambo Radio Scotland as the Community Organisation of the Year. The prestigious award was presented on Saturday, October 28th, at a glittering ceremony held in Edinburgh.

The Black Scottish Awards, which aims to acknowledge and honour those who are making a significant difference in Scotland, featured several remarkable finalists. Among them were Passion4Fusion, BE United, Igbo Community Aberdeen, African Students Association Scotland, and Jambo! Radio Scotland. Each finalist demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to their respective causes, contributing to the vibrancy of Scotland’s multicultural society.

While all the finalists showcased remarkable achievements, BE United received special recognition for their outstanding advocacy, nurturing, and celebration of Black individuals working in the performing arts and screen cultural events sectors.

However, the ultimate accolade of Community Organisation of the Year, a category sponsored by TSB, was presented to Jambo Radio Scotland. Our organisation has emerged as a beloved platform for Scotland’s Black population!

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jambo Radio Scotland played a vital role in disseminating crucial information, thereby contributing to saving lives within the community. Their active engagement and responsible broadcasting served as a beacon of hope and support during the crisis.

Furthermore, Jambo Radio Scotland’s impact extends beyond the airwaves. In less than two years, the organisation has witnessed remarkable growth and created numerous employment opportunities. They have been instrumental in empowering young individuals by supporting them in returning to formal education. Recently, they successfully concluded a six-week Youth Broadcasting Training program, catering to kids aged 10 and above. This initiative aimed to empower young voices, instil communication confidence, and equip them with essential skills for the future.

The Black Scottish Awards expressed their admiration for Jambo Radio Scotland, stating, “Jambo Radio Scotland has become the place to tune in to over the last few years, delivering original content for the Black population of Scotland. From talk shows to music, education to debates, they have become a part of our everyday lives. They were very active in disseminating information during COVID and thereby saving lives. We celebrate Jambo Radio Scotland today, TBSA’s Community Organisation of the Year!”

This recognition serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to serving the Black community in Scotland. It highlights our dedication to promoting culture, education, and empowerment through dynamic initiatives.

As the recipient of the Community Organisation of the Year award, Jambo Radio Scotland continues to inspire and uplift, making a significant impact on the lives of individuals and the broader Scottish community as a whole. Their achievements stand as a shining example of what can be accomplished through passion, dedication, and a commitment to community service.