As the Rwanda Bill completed its journey through the House of Commons, Humanists UK has warned parliamentarians in the Joint Committee on Human Rights that the Bill leaves non-religious and minority religious asylum seekers vulnerable to Rwanda’s blasphemy laws.
The emergency Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill is now heading to the House of Lords. The Bill, first announced in December, came in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s verdict on November 15. It deemed the initially proposed Rwanda asylum policy as unlawful due to its potential to expose individuals to human rights violations. Subsequently, the UK Government revealed a treaty with Rwanda aimed at resurrecting the contentious plan.
Rwanda’s blasphemy laws
The legislation asserts Rwanda as a ‘safe country’ in response to the Supreme Court ruling. Humanists UK, in its response to the Committee highlighted that this designation is made notwithstanding Rwanda’s retention of blasphemy laws, where individuals accused of blasphemy can potentially face imprisonment and/or fines. This raises concerns about the potential adverse effects on non-religious asylum seekers, as well as other religious minorities, if deported to Rwanda.
‘Dehumanising and immoral’
From our work supporting humanist asylum seekers, persecuted because of their beliefs, we know the extreme difficulties faced by refugees in the UK. In seeking safe haven abroad, they suffer arduous journeys, deplorable treatment, and harsh conditions. Throughout this hostile process, they suffer with the uncertainty of whether their cases will be fairly heard and properly processed. In 2022 members of Humanists UK called at their Annual General Meeting that the policy of deporting asylum claimants to Rwanda to be brought to an end, calling the policy ‘dehumanising and immoral’.
Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Kathy Riddick said:
‘We strongly oppose the emergency Rwanda Bill. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live their lives free of persecution. The idea that non-religious asylum seekers may be sent to Rwanda and face further persecution on the basis of their beliefs is a cruel affront to human dignity. We call on peers in the House of Lords to reject this inhumane Bill.’
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Kathy Riddick at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 3675 0959.
Read the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
Read our initial response to the Rwanda Bill
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.