The United Nations Human Rights Committee has delivered 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 allow asylum seekers to be sent to Rwanda.
During two days of meetings in Geneva, the committee of 18 members reviewed Britain’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Hélène Tigroudja, a committee member, expressed concern over the regressive trend in Britain, stating that it affects various sectors dealing with civil and political rights.
The committee called on Britain to repeal provisions of a law aimed at curbing illegal migration and a bill that would send asylum seekers to Rwanda, a move deemed to violate international law by the Supreme Court. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made curbing illegal immigration a priority, but the committee criticized the legislation for depriving asylum seekers of their basic rights.
Additionally, the committee raised concerns about Britain’s counterterrorism legislation, anti-protest laws, and laws addressing the legacy of violent conflict in Northern Ireland. They warned that proposed amendments to intelligence laws could allow broad government collection of personal data and criticized the use of facial recognition and mass surveillance technologies at protests.
British officials defended the legislation, stating that it aims to stop illegal migration, dismantle people smuggling gangs, and save lives. However, the committee urged Britain to repeal or amend the laws limiting investigations into human rights abuses committed during the conflict in Northern Ireland or by British military personnel in overseas operations.
The U.N. committee’s conclusions are significant, although they do not have the power to impose sanctions. The British government’s response to the criticisms remains to be seen as the country faces scrutiny over its civil rights protection measures.
