The draft law on refugees, which caused controversy in England, was passed in the House of Lords. The bill, the last word of which will be spoken by Queen Elizabeth II, envisages imprisonment for anyone who reaches England through irregular means.
In July 2021, the British parliament brought to its agenda the controversial “National and Borders Bill”, which makes it a crime to enter the country illegally for asylum. It is stated that the regulation, which includes a clause that exempts the authorities interfering with small boats carrying refugees from possible criminal proceedings, may lead to deaths during push-backs.
CITIZENSHIP CAN BE CANCELED
An article added later to the bill paves the way for British citizens who became citizens or had family ties to other countries to have their citizenship revoked without informing them. The government, on the other hand, did not back down on the discriminatory and racist article, despite all the reactions.
“A BLOOD DAY FOR REFUGEES”
“It’s a really bleak day for refugees fleeing conflict and persecution,” said Steve Valdez-Symonds, UK Refugee and Migrant Rights Director at London-based Amnesty International, after the bill was approved in the House of Lords. made its assessment.
Stating that the British government tore up the long-standing international agreement, the Refugee Convention, and shamefully abandoned the responsibility it owed to refugees, Valdez-Symonds said:
“It is clear that xenophobia underlies this bill. It is cruel to the victims of oppression, torture and exploitation, as well as exploiting the racism and prejudice they face. If the asylum measures in this bill are implemented, those entitled to asylum will become more vulnerable to human smugglers and abusers,” he said. England’s reputation is tarnished.”
WARNING FROM UN: MAY WEAK THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi warned that the adoption of the “anti-refugee bill” in the UK could significantly weaken the international system that provides a new chance for life to those fleeing war and persecution.
In his written statement, Grandi reacted to the adoption of the controversial “National and Borders Bill”, which is described as the “anti-refugee bill” in the upper house of the parliament, in the House of Lords.
Emphasizing the British government’s regret that the bill has undermined established international refugee protection law and practices, Grandi said: “A move aimed at deterring the majority of (the UK’s) refugees from seeking asylum with a new, lower status, fewer rights and the constant threat of deportation. His choice of style is disappointing.” made its assessment.
“CONFLICTS WITH THE REFUGEE AGREEMENT”
Grandi said the law had the potential to deny them the right to seek asylum in the UK and contradicted the Refugee Convention.
Noting that he is also concerned that the UK is trying to break its obligations to protect refugees and asylum seekers to other countries, Grandi referred to the UK’s plan to send irregular migrants to Rwanda.
“This latest decision by the UK government risks significantly weakening a system that has provided protection and a new chance for life to many people who have been in desperate need for decades,” Grandi said. made a warning. (AA)