Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

UN raises human rights concerns about Sunak's Rwanda policy

“The combined effects of this bill, attempting to shield government action from standard legal scrutiny, directly undercut basic human rights principles,” the UN said

UN raises human rights concerns about Sunak's Rwanda policy

Britain's new legislation regarding its controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing was criticised by the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, on Monday (19), for undermining fundamental principles of rights.

Turk said the moves to facilitate removals to Rwanda ran contrary to the basic principles of the rule of law and risked delivering a serious blow to human rights.


Prime minister Rishi Sunak's government introduced the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill late last year, shortly after the Supreme Court ruled that deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda would be illegal under international law.

If passed after ongoing scrutiny in both houses of parliament, the legislation would compel British judges to treat Rwanda as a safe third country.

It would also give government ministers powers to disregard sections of international and British human rights legislation.

"The combined effects of this bill, attempting to shield government action from standard legal scrutiny, directly undercut basic human rights principles," Turk said in a statement.

"Governments cannot revoke their international human rights and asylum-related obligations by legislation."

The United Nations high commissioner for human rights called for the bill to be reconsidered.

"I urge the UK government to take all necessary steps to ensure full compliance with the UK's international legal obligations, and to uphold the country's proud history of effective, independent judicial scrutiny," Turk said.

"Such a stance is today more vital than ever."

Sunak has vowed to cut regular and irregular immigration that has reached record levels despite promises to tighten UK borders after the country's departure from the European Union.

The Rwanda plan is at the heart of Sunak's pledge to "stop the boats" of migrants crossing the Channel from northeastern France in flimsy and ill-suited vessels.

He insists the scheme to send asylum seekers to the East African country is essential to deter migrants from considering travelling to Britain via unauthorised routes.

Sunak faces a general election in the second half of this year, with immigration likely to be a major issue. Opinion polls show his Tory party is currently on course for defeat.

- 'Antithetical' to justice -

Turk said the bill would drastically strip back the courts' ability to scrutinise removal decisions by requiring all decision-makers to treat Rwanda as a safe country, irrespective of any evidence that exists now or may come to light in the future.

"Settling questions of disputed fact -- questions with enormous human rights consequences -- are what the courts do, and which the UK courts have a proven track record of doing thoroughly and comprehensively," said Turk.

"It should be for the courts to decide whether the measures taken by the government since the Supreme Court's ruling on risks in Rwanda are enough.

"You cannot legislate facts out of existence."

Turk raised concerns that the bill would substantially restrict the application of human rights laws and standards.

It also renders discretionary the implementation of interim protective orders of the European Court of Human Rights, which are internationally binding on Britain.

"It is deeply concerning to carve out one group of people, or people in one particular situation, from the equal protection of the law. This is antithetical to even-handed justice, available and accessible to all, without discrimination," Turk said.

(AFP)

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less