As the UK’s Rwanda bill becomes law, international bodies and human rights activists decry its implications for asylum seekers’ rights and safety.

In a move that has sparked international outrage and concern, the United Kingdom’s Parliament has passed the contentious Safety of Rwanda Bill, which is now set to become law. This legislation, affecting the handling and treatment of asylum seekers, marks a significant shift in the UK’s approach to asylum policies, prompting fears of severe human rights violations.

The bill designates Rwanda as a safe country to which the UK can deport asylum seekers, despite significant evidence and legal rulings suggesting otherwise. This decision comes after the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling and numerous reports questioning Rwanda’s capacity to ensure the safety and rights of returned individuals. Critics argue that the bill effectively strips asylum seekers of their right to fair treatment and due process by enforcing an indisputable assumption of Rwanda’s safety and severely limiting legal appeals and remedies.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the first deportations under this new law could occur within three months, with provisions made for detaining up to 2,200 asylum seekers in the UK as preparations proceed. This development has raised alarms about the potential for imminent and extensive detentions, with operations possibly starting in a matter of days.

Global human rights bodies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, have vehemently opposed the bill, highlighting its potential to undermine international law and the principles of refugee protection. The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights also expressed deep concerns, noting that the bill presents serious human rights and rule of law issues.

In a dramatic response to the UK government’s plan, several UN experts have cautioned airlines and aviation authorities about their potential complicity in human rights violations if they assist in deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda. The Ministry of Defence has hinted that Royal Air Force planes might be employed for deportations, as commercial airlines come under pressure to refuse involvement in these operations.

The international community’s reaction to the UK’s new law has been overwhelmingly negative, with many countries expressing disillusionment with the UK’s commitment to shared global responsibilities regarding refugees. This sentiment undermines the UK’s credibility in urging other nations to adhere to their refugee protection obligations.

Despite the bill’s passage, the fight against its implementation continues. Legal challenges are anticipated, targeting both individual deportations and the legality of the bill itself. Advocates urge the UK government to reconsider its stance and adopt more humane asylum policies. These should ensure fair hearings for asylum seekers within the UK and expand safe legal routes to prevent perilous and potentially deadly journeys.