René Cassin, a prominent Jewish human rights organization, has raised concerns about the Safety of Rwanda Bill and its compliance with UK and international law. The plea comes as Members of Parliament (MPs) are set to review a series of amendments made to the legislation during its debate in the House of Lords last week.
Peers from various political parties have expressed deep reservations about the Bill and have approved ten amendments to address these concerns. Conservative Lord Tugendhat stated, “in this Bill, the Government is seeking to achieve by Act of Parliament what in Nineteen Eighty-Four the ruling party and its apparatchiks sought to achieve by torture.” His colleague Viscount Hailsham also warned that “we will be doing something that is in principle profoundly wrong in support of a policy that is going nowhere.”
Mia Hasenson-Gross, the Executive Director of René Cassin, emphasized the importance of the rule of law and urged the Lord Chancellor to ensure that the MPs take into account these concerns when they debate the Bill on Monday. She stated, “At a time when social divisions are strained and minorities feel insecure and threatened, the rule of law provides stable and reassuring ballast. It is a vital part of a set of common values around which we can all unite.” Hasenson-Gross also noted the Lord Chancellor’s oath to respect the rule of law and his previous statements highlighting its importance in a safe and fair society.
In a letter addressed to Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk, Hasenson-Gross highlighted the concerns surrounding the Bill and its potential violation of domestic and international law. She stated, “Concerns that the Safety of Rwanda Bill breaches rule of law principles are widespread.” She also emphasized the comments made by two Conservative peers in the House of Lords, who condemned the legislation in strong terms.
The Safety of Rwanda Bill, which has been debated at the House of Lords and passed its third reading on March 12, will now return to the House of Commons where MPs will consider the amendments made by the Lords. The Bill is expected to enter Parliamentary ‘ping-pong’ on March 20.
The Lord Chancellor’s Oath was also mentioned in the letter, with a reminder that it includes a pledge to “respect the rule of law” and “defend the independence of the judiciary.”
For further information or comment, contact:
Mia Hasenson-Gross – mia.hasenson-gross@renecassin.org; 07939 130 286
Notes for editors:
The Safety of Rwanda Bill (https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3540) was debated at Report Stage (4 and 6 March) and passed 3rd Reading (12 March) in the House of Lords. The Bill returns to the House of Commons on the afternoon of Monday 18 March, when MPs will consider Lords amendments. The Bill is expected to enter Parliamentary ‘ping-pong’ on Wednesday 20 March.
Lord Chancellor’s Oath (https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2020-0107/)
“I, [NAME], do swear that in the office of Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain I will respect the rule of law, defend the independence of the judiciary and discharge my duty to ensure the provision of resources for the efficient and effective support of the courts for which I am responsible. So help me God.”
Alex Chalk KC MP speech after swearing-in at Lord Chancellor, 24 May 2023 (https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/lord-chancellor-swearing-in-speech-rt-hon-alex-chalk-mp)
Quotes from Conservative Lords:
Lord Tugendhat – https://hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2024-03-04/debates/525F3E62-A481-4C81-BB49-69BE8525B763/SafetyOfRwanda(AsylumAndImmigration)Bill
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Viscount Hailsham – https://hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2024-03-06/debates/4475C1E4-2C43-44B0-B087-0DDA3ADD222F/SafetyOfRwanda(AsylumAndImmigration)Bill
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For detailed critique of Safety of Rwanda Bill, see The Lord’s Constitution Committee report Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill report (9 February 2024) –https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5804/ldselect/ldconst/63/6303.htm, especially paras 11, 13, 22, 24, 29, 31, 37, 44, 50, 57, 63, 67
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For further information or comment, contact:
Mia Hasenson-Gross – mia.has
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.