22/06/2026

International tribunal renders award in arbitration concerning the UK–Rwanda Asylum Partnership Agreement

Arbitral proceedings were instituted on 24 November 2025 when Rwanda served on the United Kingdom a notice of arbitration pursuant to article 22 of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Rwanda and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Provision of an Asylum Partnership to Strengthen Shared International Commitments on the Protection of Refugees and Migrants (the Asylum Partnership Agreement).

The dispute concerned Rwanda’s claims that the United Kingdom had failed to comply with its obligations under article 18 and article 19 of the Asylum Partnership Agreement, and under the financial arrangements made pursuant to article 18 of that agreement by an exchange of notes verbales in June 2024.

A three-member tribunal was constituted to decide the dispute. It comprised HE Judge Peter Tomka (as chair), Professor Dr Mohamed Abdel Wahab and Judge Joan Donoghue. After an exchange of written pleadings, on 18–20 March 2026, a hearing was held at the Peace Palace, The Hague.

On 15 May 2026, the tribunal issued its award. The tribunal dismissed Rwanda’s claims under the Asylum Partnership Agreement and the accompanying financial arrangements. Professor Dr Mohamed Abdel Wahab appended a dissenting and separate opinion on Rwanda’s claims under the financial arrangements, dissenting as to Rwanda’s claim for £50 million for Year 2.

Lord Verdirame KC and Belinda McRae acted for the claimant, the Republic of Rwanda, instructed by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Rwanda.

Alma Mozetič acted for the respondent, the United Kingdom, along with Ben Juratowitch KC and Naomi Hart of Essex Court Chambers, instructed by Home Office Legal Advisers.