In a statement, the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) said the migrants from Libya originate from six different countries.

This is the 18th group of asylum seekers to be welcomed into the country in Rwanda’s partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). A total of 2,355 migrants have been received in Rwanda since 2019.

"Rwanda remains committed to contributing in finding solutions to global crisis and provide support to people in need," the ministry affirmed.

A section of the asylum seekers who were welcomed to Rwanda on June 13.

The arrival of the migrants in Rwanda comes days after Rwanda accused UNHCR of double standards in its bid to block Rwanda’s partnership with the United Kingdom on plans to send unsuccessful asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo on Tuesday accused the UNHCR of fabricating allegations presented to the United Kingdom’s courts and undermining Rwanda’s longstanding policy of providing refuge to those in need.

Makolo’s statement followed UNHCR’s allegations that Rwanda abuses the rights of asylum seekers and that they have no freedom while in the country. However, Rwanda dismissed the claims, questioning how the UNHCR filed false accusations while continuing to work with Rwanda to host asylum seekers from Africa.

“UNHCR is lying. The organization seems intent on presenting fabricated allegations to UK courts about Rwanda’s treatment of asylum seekers, while still partnering with us to bring African migrants from Libya to safety in Rwanda through the Emergency Transit Mechanism,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson pointed out that UNHCR bases its claims on a case involving a man who was denied asylum in Seychelles. Makolo stated that UNCHR in South Africa had unilaterally sent the man to Rwanda without involving the Rwandan authorities. Another case involves two Burundian nationals who UNHCR claims were denied asylum in Rwanda.

“These individuals never claimed asylum but instead were found to have breached Rwandan immigration laws. This is made all the more ridiculous when you consider the fact that Rwanda currently provides refuge to tens of thousands of our Burundian neighbours who have sought safety in our country,” the spokesperson added.

This is the 18th group of asylum seekers to be welcomed into the country in Rwanda's partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

MINEMA said the migrants originate from six different countries.