UK ministers accused of weakening legal protections for torture victims seeking asylum
Summary
UK ministers are about to agree on a political declaration with 45 other countries to change how rules protect asylum seekers and criminals from being deported. Some human rights experts say this could weaken protections against torture and harm the independence of courts.Key Facts
- The UK and 45 other countries in the Council of Europe plan to sign a declaration on asylum and deportation rules.
- The declaration aims to limit how courts apply articles 3 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
- Article 3 protects people from torture, and Article 8 protects the right to family life.
- UK ministers claim some criminals misuse these protections to avoid deportation.
- Critics warn this move could reduce legal safeguards for torture victims.
- Experts say the declaration may interfere with judicial independence.
- The UN Committee Against Torture has expressed concern about weakening protections.
- The UK government says absolute protections against torture will remain in place.
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