Our response to the"Bill of Rights" announcement

The Government has introduced a new “Bill of Rights” to Parliament for Wednesday 22 June, aiming to replace the existing Human Rights Act.

Beth Gardiner-Smith, CEO of Safe Passage International: “The Anti-Rights Bill will strip us all, including refugees, of our ability to challenge injustice and defend our human rights. We all rely on these vital rights – from the right to family life to privacy – every day, often without even knowing it.  

“We’re terrified about what this could mean for the unaccompanied refugee children we work with. Their ability to reunite with family here in the UK rests on the right to family life, and being able to properly challenge unlawful decisions. Without these protections in place, hundreds of children who’ve experienced war and persecution could face a lifetime of separation from their family.  

“Instead of playing politics with our rights with this unnecessary and destructive Bill, the Government should focus on respecting the human rights of all – starting by scrapping the inhumane Rwanda deal.”