The United Nations Human Rights Committee has issued a scathing assessment of civil rights protection in Britain, accusing the Conservative government of backsliding and urging the country to abandon its controversial legislation to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
During two days of meetings in Geneva, the committee met with a delegation of 24 British officials to review the country’s compliance with an international treaty for the protection of civil and political rights. Hélène Tigroudja, a committee member, expressed deep concern over the regressive trend in Britain, stating that it affects many sectors dealing with civil and political rights.
The committee called on Britain to swiftly repeal provisions of a law passed last year to curb illegal migration and a bill in Parliament that would send asylum seekers to Rwanda. The Supreme Court of Britain had already ruled that the bill violated international law, depriving asylum seekers of their basic rights.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made curbing the arrival of migrants and asylum seekers a key policy of his government, with a spokesperson stating that the Safety of Rwanda Bill will help stop illegal migration and save lives. However, the committee also criticized Britain’s counterterrorism legislation and warned about proposed amendments that could allow broad government collection of personal data.
Additionally, the committee raised concerns about an anti-protest law that restricts peaceful assembly, a law addressing the legacy of violent conflict in Northern Ireland, and a law setting a time limit on legal action against military personnel for overseas operations. The committee urged Britain to repeal or amend these laws to ensure accountability for human rights abuses.
Overall, the committee’s assessment highlights the need for Britain to uphold civil and political rights and comply with international obligations. The British government’s response to these criticisms will be closely watched as the country navigates these complex human rights issues.
