Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolanda McCullough reaffirmed her country’s “commitment to hosting migrants” despite the cancellation of a flight carrying a number of UK migrants due to legal issues. “These developments do not discourage us and Rwanda remains fully committed to the success of this partnership,” she said.

In an interview with the French Press Agency (AFP), McCullough said: “The current situation of people making dangerous journeys cannot continue because it causes untold pain to a lot of people”, stressing that “Rwanda is ready to accept migrants after their arrival”, and also security and opportunities for them.

The first flight carrying migrants from the UK to the East African country was scheduled to leave on Tuesday evening but was canceled following a last-minute decision by the European Court of Human Rights.

Earlier Tuesday, the United Nations sharply criticized the UK’s transfer of illegal refugees and asylum seekers from its territory to Rwanda, urging other countries not to repeat the move.