UK plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda incompatible with human rights, parliamentary watchdog says
The UK's proposal to deport certain asylum-seekers to Rwanda has been criticized by a parliamentary watchdog for violating human rights commitments.
As the House of Lords deliberates the contentious bill, which seeks to bypass the Supreme Court's ruling that Rwanda is unsafe for migrants, scrutiny intensifies.
The bill asserts Rwanda's safety, limits migrants' appeal rights, and permits disregarding European Court of Human Rights injunctions. The Joint Committee on Human Rights warns the bill could lead to breaches of international law and lacks human rights compatibility.
SNP lawmaker Joanna Cherry expresses concern over the bill's erosion of vital protections. Meanwhile, the Home Office praises the Rwanda plan as effective and innovative, citing Rwanda's positive record with refugees.
The policy, part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's immigration strategy, remains under review, with the House of Commons passing it despite internal opposition. The Lords, where Conservatives lack a majority, can amend but not completely override Commons legislation.
The bill asserts Rwanda's safety, limits migrants' appeal rights, and permits disregarding European Court of Human Rights injunctions. The Joint Committee on Human Rights warns the bill could lead to breaches of international law and lacks human rights compatibility.
SNP lawmaker Joanna Cherry expresses concern over the bill's erosion of vital protections. Meanwhile, the Home Office praises the Rwanda plan as effective and innovative, citing Rwanda's positive record with refugees.
The policy, part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's immigration strategy, remains under review, with the House of Commons passing it despite internal opposition. The Lords, where Conservatives lack a majority, can amend but not completely override Commons legislation.
