UN reaction to UK immigration law: It goes against international law

The United Nations (UN) reported that the controversial Illegal Immigration Bill passed by the British Parliament contradicts the country’s obligations under international human rights and refugee law.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) jointly wrote about the approval of the Illegal Immigration Bill, which was announced on March 7 by the UK government to prevent irregular migrants from entering the country by ship(s) from the English Channel. He made an explanation. In the statement, it was indicated that the accepted bill prohibits asylum seekers who come irregularly from countries where they are not persecuted, from applying for entry to the United Kingdom, and that other demands by refugees in terms of asylum are also blocked. protection or human rights.

“The bill denies access to protection in the UK to anyone who falls within the refugee category, regardless of whether they are at risk of persecution, have suffered human rights abuses or have other justifiable claims under international humanitarian and human rights law,” the statement said.

‘SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES’

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Flippo Grandi, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that the bill contradicts the country’s obligations under international human rights and refugee law and will have serious consequences for those in need of international protection.

Noting that the bill raises very serious legal concerns from an international perspective, Türk said: “It may be attractive for other countries, including European countries, to take this as an example. “The bill sets a worrying precedent for the removal of asylum-related obligations, which could have a negative impact on the entire international refugee and human rights protection system.”

The bill announced by the British government on March 7 to prevent irregular migrants from entering the country by launch or boat through the English Channel provides for the detention of migrants as soon as they are caught. Under the bill, detained irregular migrants will be deported to their country of origin or to third countries considered safe, such as Rwanda, within 28 days without judicial investigation.

Irregular immigrants will file their asylum applications and seek legal rights after being deported.

The bill in question, which was accepted in Parliament today, will become legal after the approval of the Crown. The bill was criticized by some legislators, lawyers and human rights organizations for being “inhumane” and “cruel”. (AA)