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Tories must back ECHR exit to survive, says Jenrick

Adding that the idea of reforming the treaty was a “fantasy”, Tories must back ECHR exit to survive, says Jenrick argued the issue was now one of “leave or remain”….reports Asian Lite News

Also speaking at the conference, she did not rule out leaving the treaty, but argued deporting more failed asylum seekers should be the priority.

Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick has told activists the party will “die” unless it advocates leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The former Home Office minister told supporters at the party’s annual conference the convention had made it “impossible to secure our borders”.

Adding that the idea of reforming the treaty was a “fantasy”, he argued the issue was now one of “leave or remain”. But fellow leadership contender Kemi Badenoch warned party members that leaving the ECHR would not address “the root of the problem”, saying that it could lead to Brexit-style “legal wrangling” and opposition in the House of Lords.

Also speaking at the conference, she did not rule out leaving the treaty, but argued deporting more failed asylum seekers should be the priority.

Whether the UK should continue its 71-year membership of the ECHR has emerged as a key dividing line between the four remaining leadership candidates at the party’s annual conference in Birmingham.

Legal challenges filed under the convention grounded flights scheduled under the government’s failed Rwanda deportation scheme, which was later ruled unlawful by the UK’s Supreme Court and has now been scrapped by Labour.

MPs on the right of the party have increasingly blamed the convention for enabling failed asylum seekers to challenge their removal from the UK. Jenrick, who topped the first two leadership ballots of Tory MPs, has put a pledge to leave the convention at the heart of his campaign to succeed Rishi Sunak as Conservative leader – a pledge which has not been echoed by his three rivals.

Former home and foreign secretary James Cleverly wants to revive the Rwanda scheme, but has not backed an exit from ECHR. Speaking at the conference, former security minister Tom Tugendhat said the UK should be “prepared” to leave the treaty, but should first try and “opt out of the bits you can, [and] reform the bits that aren’t working”.

But this idea has been rejected by Jenrick, who told supporters attempts at reform were “as doomed to fail” as David Cameron’s renegotiation of EU membership in the run-up to the 2016 Brexit referendum. He said he was “not in favour of banging on about Europe”, but the issue had become a “running sore” that could remain unresolved for “year after year”.

As well as making it “impossible to secure our borders”, he claimed the treaty had stymied the removal of “dozens of terrorists” and “dangerous foreign criminals”. Echoing the choice at the Brexit vote, he added: “It boils down to this: it’s leave or remain”, adding he wanted to “end this farce once and for all”.

“Frankly, our party doesn’t have a future unless we take a stand and fix this problem. It’s leave or die for our party.” On Tuesday, Jenrick was pressed on his widely-criticised claim that UK special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists “as a result of the constraints imposed upon our armed forces by the ECHR”.

Asked what evidence he had by BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Jenrick said: “The point I was making was one that our former defence secretary Ben Wallace has made, which is that our human rights apparatus including the ECHR is encroaching on the battlefield.”

Asked for details, Jenrick said it would be inappropriate for an ex-minister “to elaborate on particular cases”.

Speaking at a fringe event on Monday, Badenoch said she agreed that the ECHR could not be reformed. Although she did not rule out the idea of leaving the convention, she said doing so could lead to “the same issue” as trying to get the convention changed, as well as Brexit-style “legal wrangling” and opposition in the House of Lords.

“If we need to leave the ECHR, then yes, let’s do that,” she told party members. “But if we left the ECHR today, I don’t think we’d be deporting anyone any faster,” she said, adding that people whose asylum claims had failed would “find another reason” to challenge their removal.

Arguing that other countries applying the convention managed higher deportation rates, she said there were “many” public officials in border control roles who “don’t want” to remove people from the UK. “They want to look after refugees, they want to look after asylum seekers. I think that’s great, but that’s probably not the right job for them,” she added.

“If you have people who don’t want to carry out the enforcement, it doesn’t matter what your laws are.

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UN Rights Chief Slams Public Order Bill

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk appealed to the UK Government to reverse the legislation, which has yet to receive Royal Assent…reports Asian Lite News

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called the Public Order Bill “deeply troubling legislation”, after it completed its passage through parliament on Wednesday.

“It is especially worrying that the law expands the powers of the police to stop and search individuals, including without suspicion; defines some of the new criminal offences in a vague and overly broad manner; and imposes unnecessary and disproportionate criminal sanctions on people organizing or taking part in peaceful protests,” Türk said.

He appealed to the UK Government to reverse the legislation, which has yet to receive Royal Assent, “as soon as feasible”.

The Government insists that the fundamental right to protest is still protected under the legislation, but it brings in new penalties for so-called “guerrilla tactics”.

The bill was introduced to crack down on disruptive protests by activists such as the Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion groups, which have used tactics such as blocking roadways and chaining themselves to railings, including those around the UK Parliament in central London. 

The UN rights chief stressed that the law’s apparent targeting of “those protesting about human rights and environmental issues” was particularly concerning.

“As the world faces the triple planetary crises of climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution, governments should be protecting and facilitating peaceful protests on such existential topics, not hindering and blocking them,” Türk said.

Türk insisted that the law was “wholly unnecessary”, given the UK police’s existing powers to act against violent demonstrations. He also criticized the criminalization of protests linked to the new legislation.

The Public Order Act introduces “Serious Disruption Prevention Orders” which, according to the UN rights chief’s office, have the potential to significantly limit the freedoms of protesters, by allowing courts to ban individuals from being in certain places at certain times, being with particular people, or even to limit the way they use the internet.

On the basis of the new law, individuals could be electronically monitored to ensure compliance, even if they have never been convicted of any criminal offence.

Türk said that governments needed to facilitate peaceful protests while “protecting the public from serious and sustained disruption”, but that the Public Order Act could “pre-emptively limit someone’s future legitimate exercise of their rights”.

The UN rights chief also warned that the new law “regrettably weakens human rights obligations” which the UK has “long championed” in the international arena.

According to the government, the bill “protects the fundamental right to protest,” as well as “brings new penalties for disruptive and dangerous so-called ‘guerrilla tactics’” whilst “reducing delays to the law-abiding majority.”

However, Amnesty International UK’s Military, Security and Police Director Oliver Feeley-Sprague said, “The passing of this new law, which gives police unprecedented powers to restrict the right to protest, is alarming. Chilling laws like this risk the UK slipping further towards authoritarianism.”

Many backbench conservatives such as David Davis, Conservative MP for Haltemprice and Howden, and Sir Charles Walker profoundly disagreed with the bill, calling into question the behaviour of Met Police Officers, as well as the powers of Stop and Search.

The Public Order Bill will now move onto the final stages, which are the consideration of amendments and Royal Assent. The first phase requires the bill to undergo any finishing touches, known as amendments. A bill may go back and forth between each House until both Houses reach agreement on the exact wording of the Bill, known as “ping pong.” Once a bill receives Royal Assent, it is made an Act of Parliament, where the proposals in the bill become law.

This isn’t the first time the British government has tried to clamp down on what it sees as disruptive protests. Just this year, lawmakers passed the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts (PCSC) Act, which gave police the power to impose time and noise conditions on demonstrations, even those involving just one person. The legislation also enshrined tougher penalties for disruptive tactics such as obstructing highways, which can now result in up to 51 weeks in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Some of the act’s most contentious measures—which included a slate of new criminal offenses designed to curb demonstrations by environmental groups such as Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain, and Just Stop Oil—were deemed so extraordinary that they were rejected by the House of Lords.

ALSO READ-UK for UNHCR launches “Born Connected” Ramadan campaign

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UK for UNHCR launches “Born Connected” Ramadan campaign

Emma Cherniavsky, CEO of UK for UNHCR said: “At this time of deep reflection and generosity, it’s important to remember the forcibly displaced families who are struggling to afford basic essentials…reports Asian Lite News

This Ramadan, UK for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s charity partner in the UK, launches its new campaign Born Connected which aims to strengthen connections between Muslims living in the UK and displaced families across the world whilst raising vital funds to help refugees. 

Millions of displaced families are observing the month of Ramadan away from their homes and loved ones, whilst struggling to make ends meet. In Lebanon, for example, nine out of ten Syrian refugees currently live in extreme poverty, and 67 per cent are moderately or severely food insecure, meaning they have had to reduce the amount of food they eat and are borrowing money just to survive.  

Following the recent Türkiye–Syria devastating earthquakes, this Ramadan will also present significant new challenges for millions of refugees and displaced families who are already facing difficulties such as poverty, food and shelter insecurity, and limited access to education and employment.     

Support from UNHCR can be a lifeline for families struggling with the increasing cost of living and limited resources. Funds raised through this campaign will help reach those in greatest need, providing vital cash assistance so that families can pay for basic essentials such as food, water, shelter and medicine. Last year, 100,000 families received aid from donations during Ramadan, but this year the need is even greater.   

This Ramadan, Muslims are able to donate their Zakat or Sadaqah to UK for UNHCR to reconnect with the wider community and extend a helping hand to those in need. Donations will help displaced people like Abou Salim, a Syrian refugee living in Lebanon who was separated from his children and struggling due to the ongoing economic crisis.  

“We buy only what’s essential. We use part of the cash assistance we receive from UNHCR to buy our daily needs and part of it for rent,” said Abou Salim.  

Muslims can send support and compassion to those in need by donating their Zakat or Sadaqah to UK for UNHCR and 100% of donations will go directly to displaced families in need. They can also work out how much Zakat to pay with UK for UNHCR’s simple online Zakat Calculator.    

Emma Cherniavsky, CEO of UK for UNHCR said: “At this time of deep reflection and generosity, it’s important to remember the forcibly displaced families who are struggling to afford basic essentials. 

“Millions of displaced families across the world are falling deeper into hunger and lack access to clean water and hygiene as a consequence of conflict, climate shocks and COVID-19, combined with spiraling costs of food and fuel. Refugees are in urgent need of assistance, especially in regions where UNHCR is not able to meet the rapidly growing humanitarian needs. In Lebanon, Jordan and Yemen, for example, UNHCR will have to provide less in cash assistance, affecting 1.7 million displaced people.” 

“Your donations can offer dignity and choice to families who have lost everything.” 

As part of their Born Connected campaign, UK for UNHCR will be hosting its first Iftar in a joint event with One Family Global at The Savoy during the month of Ramadan. 

People can find out more about the campaign at: unrefugees.org.uk/Ramadan2023  

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UN refugee chief ‘appalled’ by destruction in Ukraine

UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi in Ukraine.(Photo : www.unhcr.org)

Filippo Grandi has met President Volodymyr Zelensky, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has finished a six-day visit to war-ravaged Ukraine. Grandi said he was “appalled by the level of destruction” he saw in the war-torn nation and called on donors to stay the course and support the people who are suffering acutely as a result of Russia’s ongoing invasion.

During his visit, Grandi travelled through the south and east of the country, seeing the destruction and devastation, meeting chiefs of seven regional administrations, several mayors and many war-affected civilians in Odesa, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Kiev, said an official statement released by the UN agency on Friday.

He also met President Volodymyr Zelensky, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

“I was appalled by the level of destruction I saw as a result of Russian missiles and shelling,” Grandi said while concluding his trip on Friday.

“Civilian infrastructure like power plants, water systems, kindergartens and apartment buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Civilians, including children and the elderly, have been killed or fled their homes, having their entire lives uprooted by these senseless attacks,” he said.

Grandi also witnessed Ukrainian officials and citizens repairing and rebuilding damaged infrastructure.

“While buildings have been destroyed, the spirit of the Ukrainian people is unbroken. I’m so inspired by their strength and resilience. It’s up to all of us, the international community, to support them as they embark on recovery.

“I call on states, international financial institutions and others to contribute to this task and quickly,” the UNHCR chief added.

Grandi however, warned that humanitarian needs remain acute, especially in the frontline regions of the country.

Noting that the UN appeals for both inside Ukraine and refugee response will be launched in Geneva on February 15, he added: “Donors — governments, business, and private individuals — have been incredibly generous over the past year. This must be sustained if we are to provide people with the support they urgently need today and for the coming year. I hope all our donors will continue to enable the response to these humanitarian needs.”

The massive destruction of apartments in Saltovka. (Photo: UNHCR Ukraine)

He further said that the the UNHCR, with other international partners, will seek additional access to unaccompanied and separated Ukrainian children currently in Russia.

He also reiterated that, “in a situation of conflict, giving nationality and opening avenues for formal adoption of children violates international norms and practices”.

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India abstains from UNHCR vote on China, Lanka

Since January this year, India has “provided unprecedented assistance” to the people of Sri Lanka to face the challenges of the recent economic crisis, he said…reports Asian Lite News

India on Thursday abstained on a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) promoting human rights in Sri Lanka but urged the government in Colombo to deliver on commitments towards the Tamil minority.

India also abstained on a draft resolution at the UNHRC calling for a debate on the human rights situation in China’s Xinjiang region.

While explaining India’s vote on the resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, Indra Mani Pandey, the country’s permanent representative in Geneva, said that the progress made so far by the Sri Lankan government to meet the aspirations of the Tamil minority “remains inadequate”.

“In finding a lasting and effective solution for peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, India has always been guided by the two fundamental principles of support to the aspirations of the Tamils for equality, justice, dignity and peace and unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka,” Pandey said.

“While we have taken note of the commitments by the government of Sri Lanka on issues of implementation of the commitments in the spirit of the 13th Constitutional Amendment, meaningful devolution and the early conduct of provincial elections, we believe that the progress towards the same remains inadequate,” he said.

“Accordingly, we urge the government of Sri Lanka to work meaningfully towards early implementation of these commitments,” he added.

Pandey also noted that India has “substantively contributed” to the relief, rehabilitation, re-settlement and reconstruction process in Sri Lanka since 2009. Since January this year, India has “provided unprecedented assistance” to the people of Sri Lanka to face the challenges of the recent economic crisis, he said.

Achieving prosperity for all Sri Lankans and “realising the legitimate aspirations of Tamils of Sri Lanka for prosperity, dignity and peace are two sides of the same coin”, Pandey pointed out.

Twenty members of the 47-strong UNHRC voted in favour of the resolution on Sri Lanka, while seven opposed it. Twenty members, including India, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia, abstained.

The Indian side didn’t offer an explanation on its decision to abstain on the draft resolution seeking a debate on the human rights situation in China’s Xinjiang region.

The ultimate vote went in favour of China, with 19 members of the UNHRC opposing the resolution and 11 members, including India, Malaysia and Ukraine, abstaining.

The resolution was supported by France, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands.

People familiar with the matter said India has traditionally voted against of abstained on such country-specific resolutions at the UNHRC. It is understood that China’s presence within the UNHRC was a factor in the decision, since any backing for the Xinjiang issue by India could have led to similar moves by China on other issues.

The draft resolution on the situation in Xinjiang was presented by a group comprising Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the UK and the US, and was co-sponsored by other countries such as Turkey.

The resolution was a follow-up to a recent report by former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet that exposed a wide range of human rights violations in Xinjiang.

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