In response to the UK Parliament’s passage of the Rwanda Bill, paving the way for the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, UN leaders issue a stark warning about the potential “harmful impact” on global responsibility-sharing, human rights, and refugee protection. UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, jointly voice their concerns in a statement, urging the UK government to reconsider its plan and uphold international obligations.
Grandi emphasizes the departure from the UK’s historical commitment to providing refuge to those in need, highlighting the breach of the Refugee Convention. He stresses the necessity for all countries to fulfill their obligations in protecting refugees, not just those neighboring crisis zones. The partnership with Rwanda is viewed as a shift in responsibility for refugee protection, undermining international cooperation and setting a concerning precedent.
The UN leaders express grave concern that the legislation will facilitate transfers under the UK-Rwanda Asylum Partnership without adequate consideration of individual circumstances or protection risks. They call for practical cooperation with countries along migration routes to strengthen protection and expand safe and regular routes to asylum.
Turk underscores the threats to the rule of law posed by the new legislation, which restricts access to legal remedies and human rights protections for a specific group of people. He emphasizes the importance of assessing individual circumstances in compliance with international law before any removals take place.
The passage of the Safety of Rwanda Bill marks a significant development in the UK’s migration policy, aiming to address legal challenges and streamline deportation processes. However, the plan faces criticism both domestically and internationally, with concerns raised about its compatibility with human rights standards and international law.
Prime Minister Sunak’s prioritization of tackling irregular migrant crossings underscores the government’s determination to address migration challenges, but the controversial Rwanda plan continues to draw scrutiny and opposition, reflecting broader debates about migration policy and human rights.