Trending Now - Arbitrators Dismiss Rwanda's $134M Claim Against UK Over Migrant Pact

WHO:

AP News - Rwanda, United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak, Yvette Cooper, Yolande Makolo

ABC News World - Rwanda, United Kingdom, international arbitration panel

WHAT:

AP News - An international arbitration panel rejected Rwanda's claim for $134 million linked to a refugee resettlement deal.

AP News - The panel dismissed two claims from Rwanda for 50 million pounds ($67 million) each, related to funding for the canceled deal.

AP News - The tribunal ruled in favor of the U.K. on all grounds.

WHERE:

AP News - The ruling was made by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.

AP News - The deal involved sending migrants to Rwanda.

WHEN:

AP News - The decision was dated May 15, but was formally announced on a Monday.

AP News - Payments of 50 million pounds were due in April of 2025 and 2026.

WHY:

AP News - The deal was scrapped by Prime Minister Keir Starmer immediately after taking office in 2024.

AP News - The British Supreme Court ruled that the policy was unlawful because Rwanda is not a safe third country for migrants.

HOW:

AP News - The tribunal's ruling was based on written diplomatic exchanges between the U.K. and Rwanda after the deal was scrapped, which indicated that the U.K. would not make the payments.

AP News - Rwanda's government stated it respects the tribunal's award and considers the matter concluded, while also noting a dissenting opinion from one arbitrator.

(UPDATED June 1, 2026 23:28 UTC)

An international arbitration panel has rejected Rwanda's claim for $134 million linked to a refugee resettlement deal, ruling in favor of the U.K. on all grounds. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague dismissed two additional claims from Rwanda for 50 million pounds each, which were related to funding for the canceled deal that Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped shortly after taking office in 2024. Rwanda's government has stated that it respects the tribunal's decision and considers the matter concluded, although one arbitrator expressed a dissenting opinion.