The UK’s Illegal Migration Bill has been criticised by the United Nations
Although the Bill, which is integral to passed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s pledge to “stop the boats” campaign, passed through Parliament it has been denounced by the United Nations as being counter to the UK’s obligations under international law.
The statements made by UN human rights chief Volker Turk and UN high commissioner for refugees Filippo Grandi come as attention is being given to some of the more unusual aspects of the government’s immigration scheme including the proposed use of the Bibby Stockholm barge to house migrants awaiting processing.
The passage of the Bill through the lower house now paves the way for the Bill to receive royal assent and become law. It will prevent people from claiming asylum in the UK if they arrive through so-called unauthorised means and also enables detained persons to be promptly removed from the jurisdiction, either to their home country or a third country such as Rwanda, which is currently the subject of a legal challenge.
In a joint statement, Turk and Grandi led national and international outrage at the government’s plans warning that the Bill will have profound consequences for people in need of international protection by significantly eroding the legal framework that has protected many in breach of international law.
The pair noted that carrying out removals of migrants under such circumstances is contrary to prohibitions of refoulement and collective expulsions, rights to due process, to family and private life, and the principle of best interests of children. Further, the legislation will expose vulnerable persons to the dangers of detention and destitution and put their rights to health, an adequate standard of living, and to work at risk.
The UK government has defended the Bill denying that its provisions are in breach of international law.
