The UK plans to ignore part of its human rights law to revive a Rwanda asylum plan

By JILL LAWLESS
Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — The U.K. government has published legislation that will let it ignore a part of the country’s human rights laws in order to send asylum-seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda. The move triggered criticism from opponents on Wednesday. The bill is part of government plans to overcome a block by the U.K. Supreme Court on its Rwanda policy. The court ruled last month that the plan was illegal because Rwanda is not a safe country for refugees. Britain and Rwanda have since signed a treaty pledging to strengthen protection for migrants. The U.K. government says that will allow it to pass a law declaring Rwanda a safe destination. It’s urging lawmakers to pass the bill even though it may violate international human rights rules.