BBC Reports on Hunger Strike by Asylum Seekers in the UK Notified of Planned Deportation to Rwanda

Mohamed Shalaby and Emir Nader report for the BBC that asylum seekers in the United Kingdom have been on a hunger strike in protest of their pending deportations to Rwanda.

As we discussed previously on the blog, the United Kingdom’s Home Office has recently announced a plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. It has now been revealed that some asylum seekers will be flown to Rwanda on June 14.

According to the BBC, at least 100 migrants have received notices of a deportation to Rwanda. The notice says that they cannot appeal the decision of the Home Office.

Diane Taylor and Matthew Weaver of the Guardian have also reported on the hunger strikes. They quote an asylum seeker saying the following:

“I just want to be safe and free. I’m not a criminal. Why did the UK put me in prison. I have no connection with Rwanda. Why would the UK send me there?”

IE