Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner criticizes UK’s Rwanda bill

In a tragic turn of events, just hours after Rishi Sunak’s controversial bill passed through parliament, five individuals lost their lives while attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat. The news of the fatalities has sparked widespread concern and reignited the debate surrounding the UK government’s Rwanda deportation scheme.

The Council of Europe’s top human rights official, Michael O’Flaherty, has raised serious concerns about the implications of the deportation scheme on the human rights of asylum seekers and the rule of law. O’Flaherty criticized the bill for preventing individuals facing removal to Rwanda from accessing remedies for potential violations of the absolute prohibition of refoulement, while also limiting the ability of UK courts to independently scrutinize such cases.

The legislation, which marks a significant shift towards externalization of asylum and migration policy in Europe, has drawn criticism from various international bodies, including the United Nations refugee agency and Doctors Without Borders. Despite the government’s argument that the bill aims to deter dangerous crossings facilitated by people-smugglers, the tragic incident highlights the risks faced by individuals seeking asylum through illicit means.

As the bill heads for royal assent and planned deportation flights are set to commence in the coming weeks, legal challenges are expected to arise. Sunak has vowed to defend the legislation against any opposition, emphasizing the need to address the issue of unauthorized crossings in a comprehensive manner. With an estimated 30,000 individuals crossing the English Channel without formal immigration status in 2023, the debate over the government’s approach to asylum and migration policy is far from over.