London, United Kingdom – In a landmark decision, the UK Court of Appeal has ruled against the government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, deeming it a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights. The court’s ruling is a significant blow to the controversial policy, which has been subject to intense scrutiny and criticism from human rights groups and the international community.
The UK government’s proposal aimed to transfer asylum seekers arriving in the country to Rwanda while their applications were being processed. Proponents of the plan argued that it was a necessary measure to manage the increasing number of asylum claims and alleviate pressure on the UK’s immigration system.
However, the Court of Appeal’s judgment, handed down on Thursday, 29th June, declared that the proposed arrangement would constitute a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly Article 3, which prohibits inhumane and degrading treatment.
The ruling came after a series of legal challenges by human rights organisations and activists who argued that sending asylum seekers to Rwanda could expose them to exploitation, abuse, and unsafe conditions. The court said there is “a real risk” that people sent to Rwanda will be returned to the home countries they fled.
In response to the judgment, asylum seeker advocates expressed relief and applauded the court’s decision to prioritise human rights protections. They argued that the policy, if implemented, could have put vulnerable individuals and families at risk and set a dangerous precedent for other countries seeking to externalise their asylum responsibilities.
The ruling also received international attention, with human rights organisations and legal experts around the world praising the UK court’s commitment to upholding human rights standards in the treatment of asylum seekers.
The Court of Appeal’s judgment marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s approach to asylum seekers, emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights even in the face of complex migration challenges.