The recent approval of the ‘Safety of Rwanda‘ bill by the British Parliament has prompted two UN leaders to voice alarm over its potential harmful consequences. Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, have called on the British government to reconsider its plan to transfer asylum seekers to Rwanda, urging instead the adoption of measures based on international cooperation and respect for human rights law.
Grandi criticized the legislation, stating that it represents a regression from the UK’s tradition of providing refuge to those in need, violating the Refugee Convention. He emphasized the importance of upholding obligations to protect refugees and suggested that the UK explore alternative measures to address refugee crises in cooperation with European partners and international counterparts.
Türk echoed Grandi’s concerns, describing the legislation as a serious obstacle to the rule of law and a dangerous precedent globally. He highlighted the erosion of access to refugee protection in the UK due to progressively restrictive laws since 2022, including the ban on asylum for those arriving irregularly via a third country.
The UN leaders expressed apprehension that the legislation would facilitate the transfer of asylum seekers to Rwanda without adequate consideration of individual circumstances or protection risks. They urged the UK to engage in practical cooperation with countries along refugee and migrant routes to strengthen protection and provide viable alternatives.
The new legislation has raised concerns about the limited access to legal remedies in the UK for asylum seekers and the curtailment of human rights protections. If implemented, asylum seekers, including families with children, would be sent to Rwanda to lodge their asylum claims, with limited prospects of return to the UK.
Moreover, the legislation could restrict the ability of asylum seekers to challenge or appeal deportation decisions, as decision-makers and judges would be required to consider Rwanda as a “safe” country for asylum seekers, irrespective of contrary evidence.
In light of these concerns, the UN High Commissioners have urged the UK government to uphold international human rights and refugee law, ensuring that all removals from the UK are carried out in strict compliance with these legal frameworks. They emphasized the need for a fair, efficient, and well-governed migration and asylum system that prioritizes the protection and dignity of refugees and migrants seeking safety.