Why Rwanda comes to the rescue of people with nowhere to go

Published: 28/Jul/2020
Source: New Times (Kigali)

Joseph Rwagatare

The news at the weekend was about Rwanda taking in a stateless person deported from the United States of America. The man, Amin Hassoun, a Palestinian, was reported to have been living in the United States since the 1980s.

In the wake of the attack on New York in September 2001, although not connected to them, he was convicted and sentenced for sending money to Islamic organisations thought to be linked with terror groups.

The United States was left with a problem after Hassoun had served his sentence and as the law demands had to be deported. He had nowhere to be deported to and could not legally be held any longer after serving his sentence. You see, Palestine is not a state and he had not taken US citizenship.

In comes Rwanda to the rescue and takes in the man.

Read further: https://www.newtimes.co.rw/opinions/why-rwanda-comes-rescue-people-nowhere-go

Themes: Naturalisation and Marriage, Statelessness
Regions: Rwanda
Year: 2020