Thread by @LetsStopC9

THREAD: #Rwanda, is it the best choice?

As we have all had had time to mull over the extraordinary revelations from last week, we thought it might be now a good time to dissect through some of the issues
This thread will focus on Rwanda in relation to the #PritiPatel deal. 1/

Most of you will have heard of #Rwanda from "Hotel Rwanda" a film that tells a bit about the Genocide that happened in the country in 1994 - in 100 days between April-July - >800,000 Tutsi people were killed in a national Genocide.
Rwanda has been rebuilding itself ever since. 2/

Why is it important that we dissect this deal from the #Rwanda angle?

Well put simply - its because the British gov #BorisJohnson #PritiPatel are deliberately not telling you, if they did, most Britons would be appalled & disgusted at how bad the scheme is for RW & refugees. 3/

Lets start with some International Ranking for #Rwanda
1) Press Freedom: 156th out of 180 countries- what does this mean in real terms?

It means journalism and media is NOT free. Journalists who fail to report pro-Gov agenda are jailed/killed. Theres no freedom of expression 4/

2) World Happiness Index - on scale of 0-10, #Rwanda scores 3.45 (the world average is 5.57).
Notice how in the graph attached, the happiness index has dramatically declined (incidentally during the time PR machines for Rwanda have suggested Rwanda is best country in Africa). 5/

3) Human Rights Index - #Rwanda has over the last 5-10 years seen a dramatic decline in its HumanRights value score. See attached graphs.
Once again, there is an irony in that during the years RW received the most PR about its progress (from the WEST), internally RW'ns suffer 6/

What about democracy? How does #Rwanda stack up on democracy, political freedom & freedom of expression?

Plz see below attached images for how RW treats political opponents who dare to mount minimal criticism of the current party (in power since 1995)

ALL JAILED for daring. 7/

What about Freedom of expression? What environment is #PritiPatel hoping to send refugees to?

In #Rwanda, people are expected to toe the government line, any deviation results in 1) Arrest, 2) trumped charges 3) Jail, 4) often death due to mysterious circumstances.
See below 8/

Thus far we have established that #Rwanda is clearly not an enviable place. Moreover, we know very well that #Tory MPs would not in a million years send their loved ones to Rwanda.

Lets now consider the human and social cost to Rwandans if this scheme goes ahead. 9/

#Rwanda is THE most densely populated mainland African country, with 1,142 people/mile2.
In contrast Britain pop density is: 727 people/mile2. This is a 44% difference.

This suggests that Britain has an issue with NotInMyBackYard - aka xenophobia, aka racism. 10/

What about wealth? Will #Rwanda cope financially with all the incoming 1000s of immigrants who all need food, water, utilities, amenities, healthcare access etc?
Rwanda has GDP per capita of $2,100 as of 2017, while in UnitedKingdom, the GDP per capita is $44,300 as of 2017. 11/

In #Rwanda, only 57% of population access safe drinking water within 30mins of their home. This statistic includes water gathered from water wells (untreated = unsafe)

If RW is unable to supply water to its own population, how would it cope with supplying 1000s of refugees. 12/

Due to poverty, lack of infrastructure the access to water and energy is limited largely to wealthier communities in the capital #Kigali. In rural areas, children as young as 5 spend significant time walking miles to fetch water and wood for survival. This affects girls more. 13/

Importantly, this thread is not about bashing #Rwanda - there are many great things about Rwanda, it's a country that has shown tremendous tenacity in recovering from its tragic history.

Sadly, RW remains foreign aid dependent, 40% of RWs budget is from foreign aid. 14/

For anyone who has read thread this far, it is not hard to see why this immigration scheme by @pritipatel @BorisJohnson is not only dangerous (for refugees), it is ALSO inappropriate and a burden on #Rwanda.
The country has significant national challenges yet to meet. 15/

In pursuing this immigration deal @BorisJohnson @pritipatel have DELIBERATELY overlooked significant HumanRights abuse issues in #Rwanda.
No free press, No political freedoms, No civil freedoms for ordinary Rwandans.
UK is using this deal to whitewash serious issues in RW. 16/

We believe strongly that in analysing the #Rwanda - UK immigration deal, it is imperative to consider the detrimental impact the deal will have on RW (and similar poorer nations)
It is clear that UK has abused its superiority over a poorer nation.
Carrot/donkey model coercion 17/

It is also important that we question our values, morals and ethics when considering the implications of this #Rwanda -UK racially motivated deal.

Far too many people are focused on "but this will solve British immigration" - at whose expense? Poor Rwandans?
Is this ethical? 18/

We believe this #Rwanda - UK immigration deal to be RACIALLY motivated and UNLAWFUL.
Ultimately, we KNOW that #Ukrainian refugees are exempt from deportation, yet #Syria #Libya #Iraq #Yemen etc would be deported!

Whats different? Ultimately its skin colour.

Plain racism‼️ 19/

We are aware that there are issues with immigration
the processing times by HomeOffice take too long, lack of funding etc.
However the answer and solution CANNOT and should NOT be a scheme that endangers HumanBeings.

The issue is NOT the refugees, it's the POLITICAL systems. 20/

Britain must reconsider, re-evaluate and ultimately devise a new solution that does not endanger the HumanRights of refugees.
Second the scheme should not strain and endanger third party nations such as #Rwanda.

Poorer nations must NOT be burdened with EUROPES FAILURES. 21/

We note that Israel has tried a similar scheme between 2014-2017- the scheme was a catastrophic failure: of the 1000s sent to #Rwanda #Uganda -virtually all refugees subsequently fled Rwanda/Uganda turning once more to dangerous routes to the "West".
Offshoring does NOT work. 22/

Governments are elected to represent the views and needs of the people. Britain and its citizens face a juncture of moral and ethical reflection.
This #Rwanda scheme has been judged by HRs groups as "inhumane, wrong & unethical".
We voters, must make our voice heard: Say NO! 23/

.
The question still remains,
WHY #Rwanda?

Britain IS better, CAN do BETTER, let us all CHALLENGE this awful deal!

If you feel annoyed/frustrated/angry about this dreadful deal, make your voice heard! Speak up.

#StopNABB
#NationalityAndBordersBill
24/

Finally, some useful accounts to follow to gain more information about #Rwanda current affairs including human rights issues:
@freethehero (Paul inspiration behind HotelRwanda)

@ckanimba @IainCampbell008 @michelawrong @freyntje @JudiRever

@VictoireUmuhoza (main opposition)
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