The number of migrants arriving in Britain in small boats has decreased by 36% in 2023 with a total of 29,436 migrants, a significant drop from the 45,774 recorded in 2022. These migrants often brave a treacherous journey across the Channel, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes with over 600 cargo ships passing through daily. The International Organization for Migration estimates that more than 200 people have died trying to reach the UK since 2014.

The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has made “stopping the boats” his top priority, aiming to revive the controversial Rwanda migrant deportation bill. Originally designed to deter migrants by sending anyone who arrived in Britain illegally to Rwanda, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled this bill unlawful. One of the judges, Ian Burnett stated that “the deficiencies in the asylum system in Rwanda are such that there are substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk that persons sent to Rwanda will be returned to their home countries where they face persecution and other inhumane treatment.”

Despite being a developed country with a very real responsibility to protect human rights as designated by the UK Constitution and party to many international treaties that supposedly guarantee fundamental human rights and freedoms, the UK is acting against its doctrines. The government, paradoxically, is actively violating basic human rights through unlawful bills and endangering migrants by shutting down available, safe passageways.

Mr. Sunak continues to challenge the court’s decision by signing a treaty with Rwanda, destinating the country as a “safe” destination for asylum seekers and revising the bill to override the court’s rulings to block asylum transfers. Even though the UK is also looking into clearing the asylum backlog as Mr. Sunak claims it’ll be “saving the taxpayer millions of pounds in expensive hotel costs, reducing strain on public services and ensuring the most vulnerable receive the right support,” the UK has already paid Rwanda $126 million for the migrant bill that has yet to be put into action.

The endangerment of vulnerable individuals has caused great backlash from UK human rights organizations and political parties alike. Data from YouGov shows that Immigration currently ranks as the second most important issue facing Britain after the economy, underlining the public’s concern over the balance between immigration control and human rights. With public interest at an all time high, it’s crucial how the UK will respond to its ongoing migrant problems – whether they will continue to enforce their contested policies or seek alternative solutions.