The United Nations has criticized the UK’s upcoming bill to tackle illegal migration, saying it violates international law.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Falkirk Turk and UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi made the remarks in a joint statement today, according to AFP.
The bill stipulates that migrants who enter the UK through illegal channels must be deported to their home countries or third countries as soon as possible.
They will not be able to apply for refugee status in the UK, and once deported, they will be permanently banned from entering the UK.
Following a surge in illegal migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats, the bill aims to stem the tide of uncontrolled migration by effectively removing any legal basis for them to stay in the UK, including the asylum process.
The bill has now passed through parliament and is awaiting the signature of British King Charles III, the news agency reported.
“We are concerned that the bill conflicts with the state’s obligations under international human rights and refugee law and will have serious consequences for people in need of international protection,” Turc-Grandi said.
“This new bill would significantly weaken the legal framework that has protected so many refugees, exposing them to serious risks of violations of international law.”
Under the 1951 Refugee Convention, refugees have the right not to be removed to a place where their life and freedom would be threatened, the pair noted. 먹튀검증토토사이트 The Refugee Convention is an international law to which the UK is also a signatory.
“We call on the UK government to renew its commitment to human rights by overturning this law and ensuring that the rights of all migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are respected, protected and fulfilled without discrimination,” Turk said.
Last year, 45,755 migrants crossed the English Channel illegally, a record number. This year, there have been 12,000 so far, which is on par with the same period last year.
