Council of Europe’s Concern
The Council of Europe’s top human rights official, Michael O’Flaherty, has expressed “serious concerns” over the UK government’s Rwanda deportation scheme. O’Flaherty highlighted that the plan raises “major issues about the human rights of asylum seekers and the rule of law more generally.”
Legislative Implications
The legislation proposed by the UK government prevents individuals faced with removal to Rwanda from accessing remedies for potential violations of the absolute prohibition of refoulement. It also limits the ability of UK courts to fully and independently scrutinize related issues, according to O’Flaherty’s assessment.
International Criticism
The Rwanda deportation bill has drawn criticism from various international bodies including the United Nations refugee agency and several NGOs. Doctors Without Borders UK has particularly opposed the bill on medical, ethical, and humanitarian grounds, labeling it as “cruel and profoundly dangerous.”
Controversial Justification
While UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak argues that the legislation aims to prevent deaths by deterring dangerous Channel crossings facilitated by human smugglers, critics highlight the potential risks and ethical concerns associated with the deportation scheme.
According to official figures, approximately 30,000 individuals without formal immigration status crossed the English Channel via small boats in 2023, prompting the government to take action.
Widespread concern:
Sunak’s administration has prioritized the Rwanda policy, using the “stop the boats” slogan frequently in government communications. However, despite the bill passing through parliament, it faces expected legal challenges ahead.