New UK Immigration Bill Faces Scrutiny over Rwanda Asylum Provisions
Bill Compels Judges to Regard Rwanda as Safe, Raising Human Rights Concerns
London, December 11 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's proposed Immigration and Asylum Bill has drawn criticism over its provisions relating to asylum seekers.
The bill, which seeks to send immigrants who arrive illegally in Britain to Rwanda, was approved in the House of Commons on Tuesday night. However, it has faced opposition from rights groups and some members of Parliament, who argue that it violates international law and undermines the UK's obligation to protect refugees.
One of the most controversial aspects of the bill is a provision that compels judges to regard Rwanda as a safe country for asylum seekers. This provision would effectively disapply sections of the Human Rights Act 1998, which prohibits the government from deporting individuals to countries where they would face persecution or mistreatment.
Critics of the bill argue that Rwanda's human rights record is poor and that asylum seekers sent there would not be afforded adequate protection. They also point out that the UK government does not currently have a formal agreement with Rwanda on how asylum seekers would be treated.
The government has defended the bill, arguing that it is necessary to deter people from making dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK. However, human rights groups have condemned the bill as "unconscionable" and "a betrayal of the UK's international obligations."
The bill is expected to face further scrutiny in the House of Lords in the coming months. It is unclear whether it will ultimately become law.
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