Britain's Home Secretary James Cleverly (left) and Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs Vincent Biruta hold a joint news conference after signing a new treaty in Kigali, Rwanda, Dec 5, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

KIGALI - The plenary session of the Rwandan Senate on Thursday passed a law approving the ratification of an agreement between Rwanda and the United Kingdom under an asylum partnership to strengthen shared international commitments on the protection of refugees and migrants.

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At least 21 out of 22 senators who attended the plenary session voted in favor of the agreement. The law was passed after receiving an analysis report on this draft law made by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security, further strengthening the credibility and thoroughness of the legislative process.

Under the agreement, Rwanda will establish a special court to address cases and legal matters concerning refugees and asylum seekers, Rwandan Minister of Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja told the Rwandan parliament last month

The agreement, which would enable Britain to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, was signed last December by British Home Secretary James Cleverly and Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta in Kigali, the Rwandan capital.

During the plenary session, senators expressed their support for the ratification of the agreement, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by forced displacement and migration.

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With the passage of the law by the Senate, the promulgation of the agreement is set to be the next step in the process. Once promulgated, the agreement will come into effect, paving the way for joint efforts between Rwanda and Britain to implement its provisions and work toward the shared goal of providing protection and assistance to refugees and migrants.

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Under the agreement, Rwanda will establish a special court to address cases and legal matters concerning refugees and asylum seekers, Rwandan Minister of Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja told the Rwandan parliament last month.

According to him, a standard operating procedure will be followed to protect migrants against "refoulement," and an independent committee will be set up to audit the implementation of the agreement.

"Refoulement" means being sent back to one's country of origin, where there is a risk of persecution.