During an interview with Nathalie Tocci, Director of the IAI (Istituto Affari Internazionali) for Foreign Affairs, held in Italy on June 18, 2024, Minister Cleverly noted the sharp rise in the number of migrants heading to European countries. He expressed concern about the exploitation of these migrants by criminals who may kill, kidnap, or abuse them.
Minister Cleverly highlighted that 80% of the migrants transported in small boats are young people, and many of those in need of help are girls and children who have been abandoned by criminals because they "appear to have no money and are not well-known. Criminals focus on their own profit."
He mentioned that to stop these criminals from transporting migrants in small boats, the british government is working with various agencies, including those affiliated with the European Union and maritime security forces.
"But we also need to address the root causes of why people flee their countries—some are escaping persecution, while others seek better economic opportunities. In the UK, we have always welcomed migrant investors, but the current scale of migration requires us to prevent criminals from controlling our borders," he explained.
Minister Cleverly said that the british government decided to tackle the migrant issue by economically supporting countries willing to host them, leading to the agreement with Rwanda.
This agreement, initially signed in April 2022, aims to resolve migrant issues and foster economic development cooperation.
Migrants sent to Rwanda will receive financial support and assistance to build their lives, advancing as Rwandans.
He emphasized that people should understand that after the governments of both countries signed this agreement, any migrant entering the UK using small boats will be sent to Rwanda instead of staying in the UK.
He explained that Rwanda is not a large country and lacks abundant valuable minerals, but it exports agricultural products and aims to compete in the international market. The british government will assist Rwanda in these efforts.
"We are asking Rwandans to provide one service for us, and we will pay for it. Those criticizing us for this payment are the same ones who want us to help African countries. It is clear that african countries like Rwanda want to improve their financial status, and I believe this approach is more sustainable than just providing aid. These countries want to move from an aid-based relationship to a trade-based one," he said.
Minister Cleverly stressed that sending migrants to Rwanda is not harmful, as Rwanda has made significant progress in the last 30 years and is praised for its hospitality towards migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
"Rwanda is committed to addressing global issues and is in a strong position. It has developed significantly since the genocide period," he said.
Some accuse the british government of rejecting migrants based on this agreement. However, Minister Cleverly responded that this is not true; instead, it is a measure to prevent crimes committed at sea, where criminals smuggle migrants and sometimes abuse them.
He explained that the UK regularly accepts asylum seekers, including those fleeing the war in Ukraine and persecution in Hong Kong, adding that the UK works with organizations like UNHCR to provide necessary assistance and aid.
Regarding Rwanda, Minister Cleverly confirmed that it is a safe country, and this will be reinforced by the provisions in the updated agreement between the two governments in December 2023, which guarantees that migrants arriving in Kigali will not be returned to their countries of origin. "We can now confidently affirm that Rwanda is a safe country," he concluded.
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