Human rights implications of Nationality and Borders Act 2022 and global asylum trends examined
The Joint Committee on Human Rights continues its inquiry into the human rights of asylum seekers in the UK on Wednesday 25 January when it takes evidence from UNHCR representatives, Vicky Tennant and Elizabeth Ruddick; Migration Observatory researcher, Dr Peter Walsh; and barrister at Garden Court Chambers, Mark Symes.
The session will focus on the impact of the Nationalities and Borders Act 2022 along with global trends in asylum and the movement of refugees. The Government argued that the Act would create a fairer system that better protects those in need of asylum. It also argues that it provides vital new tools to deter illegal entry into the UK and combat people smuggling networks.
However, critics argue that the Act places too great an emphasis on asylum claimants coming to the UK through ‘safe and legal routes’ that are only available to recognised individuals needing protection from a very limited number of countries. Asylum claimants who come to the UK through other means would be penalised despite having no other way of lawfully entering the UK to claim asylum.
In this evidence session, the Joint Committee on Human Rights will examine how the Nationalities and Borders Act 2022 affects the UK’s human rights obligations. It will also look at the implications of key provisions in the Act, including the relocation of asylum seekers to other countries and the use of age assessments. It will also look at how global asylum trends are changing and how these might impact the UK.