Rwanda and the United Kingdom are set to face off in arbitration next month over the Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), a bilateral treaty aimed at addressing irregular migration. The first session is scheduled for March 18 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague. The hearings will be open to the public, allowing people to follow the proceedings in person or online. The dispute arises from Rwanda’s claims that the UK has failed to meet its commitments under the treaty, which took effect in April 2024. The agreement included financial support for refugee hos
Rwanda and the United Kingdom are set to face off in arbitration next month over the Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), a bilateral treaty aimed at addressing irregular migration. The first session is scheduled for March 18 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague. The hearings will be open to the public, allowing people to follow the proceedings in person or online.
The dispute arises from Rwanda’s claims that the UK has failed to meet its commitments under the treaty, which took effect in April 2024. The agreement included financial support for refugee hosting and economic integration, with two payments of £50 million each due in April 2025 and April 2026. Rwanda says these payments have not been made. The treaty also outlined plans for the UK to resettle some of the most vulnerable refugees hosted in Rwanda, but these arrangements were never finalized.
“These announcements were made prior to the formal invocation of the treaty’s termination provisions. Under international law, termination operates prospectively and does not affect obligations that had already accrued while the treaty remained in force,” said Michael Butera, Chief Technical Advisor to Rwanda’s Minister of Justice.
Rwanda initiated arbitration after attempting diplomatic negotiations with the UK. Beyond financial and resettlement issues, the dispute highlights the principle that agreements between states must be honored in good faith. The MEDP, requested by the UK, reflected Rwanda’s commitment to refugee protection, dignity, self-reliance, and socio-economic inclusion, in cooperation with the UNHCR.
The arbitration is expected to clarify the rights and obligations of both countries under the treaty, reinforcing international law and Rwanda’s role in global migration solutions.
Reported by The New Times
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