UN human rights chief condemns UK's asylum plan with Rwanda

UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed deep concern on Monday over Britain’s proposed legislation to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing, asserting that it undermines fundamental principles of justice. The controversial move, part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s agenda to curb immigration, has raised alarm bells regarding potential breaches of human rights.

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, introduced by Sunak’s government last year, has faced scrutiny after the Supreme Court deemed deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda illegal under international law. If passed, the legislation would compel British judges to treat Rwanda as a “safe third country,” giving government ministers the authority to bypass sections of international and British human rights legislation.

Volker Turk stated that the bill, by shielding government actions from legal scrutiny, directly contradicts basic human rights principles. He urged the UK government to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of upholding international legal obligations and maintaining the country’s commitment to independent judicial scrutiny.

The UN high commissioner for human rights emphasized the need for the UK to abide by its international obligations, stating, “Such a stance is today more vital than ever.” The bill, seen as a pivotal element in Sunak’s promise to “stop the boats” of migrants crossing the Channel, faces opposition amid concerns about its impact on justice and human rights.

Turk argued that the proposed legislation would severely limit the courts’ ability to scrutinize removal decisions, forcing decision-makers to treat Rwanda as a safe country without regard to existing or future evidence. He asserted, “You cannot legislate facts out of existence,” highlighting the importance of the courts in settling questions with significant human rights consequences.

The bill’s potential restriction on the application of human rights laws and standards also raised apprehension, with Turk expressing concern over carving out specific groups from equal legal protection.

The legislation, if enacted, would render discretionary the implementation of interim protective orders from the European Court of Human Rights, further intensifying worries about fairness and justice.

With immigration likely to be a major issue in the upcoming general election, the proposed legislation has become a focal point of debate, with opinion polls suggesting potential challenges for Sunak’s Conservative party.