Valentine’s Day 2024: Oppose the Rwanda Bill!
What is the Rwanda Bill?
The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill was introduced in the House of Commons in December 2023, and to the House of Lords in January 2024.
The Bill states that over the next five years, some asylum seekers entering the UK will be sent to Rwanda instead, where their claims for asylum will be processed. If their claims are accepted, they could receive refugee status and be allowed to stay. However, if unsuccessful, they would need to apply to live in Rwanda for reasons other than asylum, or otherwise apply to live in a different country. These asylum seekers would not be permitted to even apply to return to the UK.
The committee stage of the Bill began on 12th February 2024. This Bill is detrimental, as it claims that anyone who has entered the UK illegally since 1st January 2022 could be at risk of being sent to Rwanda. This ruling could be highly problematic as many asylum seekers and refugees would have to face severe repercussions, if they are sent back to their countries of origin. In addition, Rwanda has been accused of being unable to fulfill human rights in the past. The Rwanda Bill rips basic human rights away from those seeking safety in the UK. It puts everyone else’s rights at risk while showing the Government’s inclination to violate international law.
For these reasons, on Monday, 29th January 2024, Amina MWRC joined countless charities and organisations working to protect human rights by calling on the House of Lords to reject the Bill. No matter our backgrounds, family circumstances, or political views, the majority of us want to live in a society where each person is cared for and treated with respect.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s stand up for a bigger cause. Let’s come together to oppose the Rwanda Bill. Use the orange heart symbol, which signifies the opposition of the Bill. Learn how you can get involved below!
How to Get Involved
- Educate yourself on the Rwanda Bill by reading articles and doing your own research.
- Share posts about the Bill with your friends and family.
- Talk about the bill on social media to create more awareness using#RwandaBill & #StoptheFlights
- Tweet your MP or Rishi Sunak about the bill.
Read the letter Amina MWRC signed calling on the House of Lords here.