Today: 31 October 2025
20 February 2024
2 mins read

UK’s Rwanda Asylum Bill Under Fire

The UN human rights office has reiterated the concerns expressed by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) that the scheme is not compatible with international refugee law, the statement said…reports Asian Lite News

The UK’s recent legislative moves to facilitate the removal of asylum-seekers to Rwanda run contrary to the basic principles of the rule of law and risk delivering a serious blow to human rights, the UN Human Rights Chief said.

The bill would also drastically strip back the courts’ ability to scrutinise removal decisions, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said on Monday in a statement as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

The UK’s proposed legislation, known as the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, requires every decision maker — be it a government minister, immigration office, or court or tribunal reviewing asylum decisions — to treat Rwanda as a “safe country” in terms of protecting refugees and asylum seekers against refoulement, irrespective of evidence that exists now or may exist in the future, he added.

“Settling questions of disputed fact — questions with enormous human rights consequences — is what the courts do … 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,” Turk said.

“You cannot legislate facts out of existence.”

“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,” he added.

The UN human rights office has reiterated the concerns expressed by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) that the scheme is not compatible with international refugee law, the statement said.

“The combined effects of this Bill, attempting to shield government action from standard legal scrutiny, directly undercut basic human rights principles,” Turk added.

Turk urged 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 history of “effective, independent judicial scrutiny”.

“Such a stance is today more vital than ever.”

ALSO READ-Parliamentary watchdog flays Rwanda plan

Previous Story

Key Biden Aide En Route to Israel, Egypt Talks

Next Story

US Consular Affairs Head Rena Bitter Visits India

Latest from -Top News

Sharjah sets sail for London

At World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, Sharjah is set to highlight both its deep-rooted cultural identity and forward-looking tourism strategy, demonstrating the emirate’s growing influence in global travel and destination marketing…reports

DP World to pump $5bn into India

DP World’s $5bn pledge strengthens India’s maritime future, powering green shipping, ship-repair capacity, talent growth and next-gen freight tech while deepening the nation’s global trade role…reports Asian Lite News DP World has

UAE mega-aid ship docks in Egypt

The shipment, one of the largest single consignments dispatched as part of the UAE’s air and sea bridge, includes essential food items…reports Asian Lite News A UAE humanitarian vessel carrying more than

Arab bloc hails UAE’s efforts in Gaza

Arab Parliament lauds UAE’s major aid efforts in Gaza and urges unified global backing for reconstruction, Palestinian statehood and a lasting peace grounded in the Two-State framework…reports Asian Lite News The Speaker

Defence bridges rise as UAE General visits India

UAE Land Forces Chief’s New Delhi visit strengthens defence ties with India, deepening cooperation in technology, training and strategic planning through high-level talks, industry briefings and ceremonial engagements….reports Asian Lite News The
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Tory rebellion over small boats bill

The Prime Minister is facing objections to the terms of

Biden Ready to Negotiate with House Speaker on Ukraine Arms Bill

“A month I’ve been asking to sit down with the