GENEVA, May 30 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has formally conveyed his concerns to the British government regarding a new migration law that he fears could prevent people from seeking asylum. The proposed Illegal Migration Bill, which aims to address the issue of small boat arrivals across the Channel from France, was approved by the lower house of parliament in April.
If the bill is passed by the House of Lords, it would enable the swift detention and deportation of individuals arriving in boats, sending them back to their home countries or so-called safe third countries like Rwanda. However, Turk voiced serious reservations about the legislation, stating that it would essentially bar individuals from seeking asylum in the UK if they enter through certain means. He emphasized the need to comply with international refugee and human rights laws and formally raised his concerns with the British government last month.
While it is the role of the UN rights chief to communicate concerns to governments, it is relatively less common for Western democracies to receive such formal rebukes, according to some rights experts.
In response, a spokesperson from the British diplomatic mission in Geneva stated, “We continue to engage with the High Commissioner on the Illegal Migration Bill,” expressing confidence that their policies, including the plan to deport migrants to Rwanda, adhere to the UN refugee convention and are lawful.
Turk, an experienced UN diplomat with a background in strengthening refugee protections, pointed out that wealthier countries perpetuate anti-migrant laws and narratives despite receiving significantly fewer migrants and refugees compared to many poorer nations. He cited Uganda and Bangladesh as examples. Calling for action against people smugglers and the promotion of regular migration routes, Turk questioned the disproportionate concern expressed in wealthier nations regarding migration.
Refugees are afforded legal rights under the 1951 refugee convention, which has been ratified by Britain and approximately 150 other countries. Turk expressed his concern that this framework is being disregarded.
During the same interview, Turk also commented on new U.S. migration rules, stating that they would make it “very difficult” for individuals to seek asylum at the border. However, he commended President Joe Biden’s administration for its efforts to create safe and regular pathways for migrants.
In response, a spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security defended Biden’s policies, asserting that the administration had established a new system that provided migrants with a “far better alternative” to risking their lives in the hands of criminal smugglers.
As the High Commissioner since October 2022, Turk’s responsibilities include speaking out against the erosion of freedoms. He has visited over a dozen countries, including Sudan and Ukraine, to assess their human rights records.
Regarding the situation in Sudan, Turk expressed concern about the potential for the recent violence in Khartoum to escalate into an inter-ethnic conflict, describing it as a “big worry.” He also revealed that his office had received reports of human rights defenders disappearing, further highlighting the challenges faced in protecting human rights worldwide.
