Official warns of human rights abuses in Rwanda, as government seeks to suppress details in legal case.

A Foreign Office official has voiced strong opposition to the UK government’s controversial plan to deport migrants to Rwanda, according to court documents that have surfaced. The documents, which the government wishes to keep hidden, raise serious concerns about Rwanda’s human rights record, including state control, arbitrary detention, torture, and even killings.

The government has sought a Public Interest Immunity (PII) certificate from the High Court to prevent the release of these sensitive passages, arguing that revealing them could harm international relations and pose a risk to national security. However, media outlets, including the BBC, the Times, and the Guardian, are pushing for the documents to be made public, citing the public interest in transparency.

Organisations and asylum seekers who oppose the Rwanda deportation plan are also backing efforts to disclose the full content of the documents. A decision on the application is expected soon, with a draft ruling set to be delivered by Wednesday.

Neil Sheldon QC, representing the Foreign Secretary, defended the government’s stance, stating that the request is limited to withholding only a few brief passages and that the majority of documents have already been disclosed. Christopher Knight, who represents some of the claimants, argued that the criticisms contained in the documents are significant, highlighting one passage where a Foreign Office official warns of Rwanda’s extensive surveillance network and the government’s use of extreme measures, including torture and killings, to maintain control.

The planned Rwanda deportation policy, designed to deter migrants crossing the English Channel into the UK, has been met with widespread opposition. A full hearing into the legality of the scheme is set for September 5.

The plan has already faced legal challenges, with the first flight of deportees halted in June due to court rulings. The UK government could face a financial loss of £120 million if the court rules against the plan. More than 13,000 migrants have crossed the Channel since the deportation initiative was announced by Home Secretary Priti Patel.