The MCB expresses deep worry at the passing of the ‘Safety of Rwanda Act’. The Rwanda scheme enables the Government to forcibly deport asylum seekers, including vulnerable children, to a country where they face significant risks of harm and human rights violations, thereby violating international law.
After months of parliamentary back-and-forth between the House of Commons and the Lords, the government’s Rwanda bill has passed. It was the fifth hearing of this bill in parliament, with 312 votes in favour and 237 against.
The Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, Enver Solomon said: “The government is determined to recklessly pursue its inhumane Rwanda plan despite the cost, chaos and human misery it will unleash. We know it is likely to cause a catastrophic system meltdown.”
The MCB has expressed its opposition to the Rwanda Bill by joining a coalition of 320+ charities, unions, businesses, and faith leaders in calling on the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to scrap it, as stated in an open letter sent in March 2024.
MCB Secretary-General, Zara Mohammed, said:
“The passing of this Rwanda Bill is deeply troubling, marking a grave moral failure in our commitment to human rights. We have already witnessed shocking instances of forcible deportations with more likely to be actioned ahead, placing the most vulnerable in our society at heightened risk.
Despite the Supreme Court ruling deeming Rwanda unsafe, refugees will be sent to a place entirely foreign to them, contradicting our values as a welcoming nation offering sanctuary.
Communities across our country consistently extend warm welcomes to refugees, sharing their homes, time, voices, and resources. This does not reflect the Britain we pride ourselves on.
Policies like the Rwanda scheme fail refugees and local communities alike. We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with civil society and faith communities to support refugees.”
ENDS