UK Government Faces Hurdles Over Controversial Rwanda Asylum Plan
The UK government has proposed an emergency bill to strengthen and enable its plan of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. The government’s plan however , is facing hurdles and backlash from the MP’s and human rights community.
What is the Rwanda Asylum Plan ?
The Rwanda policy was first announced in 2022 by Boris Johnson and discussed denying entry of people “entering the UK illegally”. Under this policy asylum seekers arriving in the UK could be sent to Rwanda where their asylum claims would be processed. If the claim is unsuccessful they will be denied entry to the UK and will have the option of settling in Rwanda. The first flight to Rwanda was planned to go ahead in June 2022, however , it was cancelled after legal hurdles.
The ‘Safety of Rwanda Bill’
After rejection from the Supreme Court over the initial Rwanda bill , Rishi Sunak introduced the “ Safety of Rwanda bill” in response. The bill seeks to make it more challenging for the court to reject the Rwanda plan. The bill proposes that the House of Commons can declare through a majority vote that Rwanda is considered a safe country for asylum seekers. To underscore this declaration, the UK and Rwanda have signed a legally binding migration treaty to emphasise Rwanda’s commitment to providing adequate protection measures.
Why is the Rwanda Plan Attracting Controversy ?
The bill has been criticised on multiple fronts. The Equality and Human Rights Commission argue that legislation puts the UK at risk of violating its international law and refugee convention commitments. Concerns have been raised about potential violations of human rights through harm to right to life , rights to be free from torture and degrading treatment and right to effective remedy. Rwanda’s poor human rights records and unfair refugee treatment has intensified opposition. Some MPs have argued the bill can damage the UK’s reputation and efforts as a human rights advocate internationally. In defence of the plan , the UK government contends that Rwanda is a safe country with a deep commitment to supporting refugees. It argues that the Rwanda scheme offers an innovative solution to tackling the ongoing global refugee crisis.
What is next ?
The plan is facing more challenges , with the House of Lords recently voting against the Safety of Rwanda bill. While the chamber lacks the power to block the bill , it has the potential to disrupt Sunak’s plan and delay its implementation for up to a year.