The UK parliament has recently passed a contentious bill that will enable the government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for their claims to be considered by the East African nation. The bill, championed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, aims to deter vulnerable migrants from making perilous crossings and disrupt the criminal gangs exploiting them.
Despite opposition from activists and the United Nations, the legislation has now been approved. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees expressed concerns about shifting refugee protection responsibilities and undermining international cooperation.
Amnesty International UK criticized the bill, calling it a stain on the country's moral reputation and a violation of international legal protections for vulnerable individuals.
The UK government's efforts to implement the policy have faced challenges, with millions of pounds sent to Rwanda for a scheme that has yet to yield results.
The legislation targets irregular migration into the UK, particularly through dangerous small boat crossings from France organized by criminal groups.
The urgency of the issue was highlighted by a recent tragedy where five individuals lost their lives attempting to cross from France to England in an overcrowded boat.
The bill outlines a process where asylum seekers landing in the UK may be sent to Rwanda for consideration. However, concerns about refoulement and Rwanda's human rights record have been raised, leading to legal challenges and delays in implementation.
The UK government introduced the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill to address these concerns and assert Rwanda as a safe country, overriding previous judicial rulings.
Home Secretary James Cleverly confirmed the bill's passage, emphasizing its role in preventing abuse of human rights claims to block removals and asserting the UK Parliament's sovereignty.
