Rishi Sunak’s highly controversial Rwanda Bill has finally passed through Parliament after months of intense debate and resistance. Despite objections from peers in the House of Lords, Tory MPs voted down a series of demands, including exemptions for Afghan refugees and an independent assessment of Rwanda’s safety for asylum seekers. The bill’s passage has sparked criticism from humanitarian groups and legal experts, who vow to continue legal challenges to deportation flights.
The US State Department’s 2023 human rights report highlights concerns over Hamas’s attacks and Israel’s subsequent military operation in Gaza, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of upholding international law and preventing further suffering. The report also acknowledges the Israeli government’s efforts to investigate alleged abuses, while noting the need for ongoing scrutiny. Despite concerns, the US continues to provide Israel with military assistance while urging it to take steps to protect civilians and humanitarian aid workers.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has alleged that Beijing continues to commit genocide against Uyghur Muslim minorities ahead of his planned trip to China. The accusation is based on the State Department’s annual human rights report, which details abuses in Xinjiang, including arbitrary detention, forced labor, and re-education camps. China has consistently denied these allegations, but Blinken has endorsed a previous determination of genocide and plans to raise human rights concerns during his visit.
The US State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices highlighted concerns over Israel’s precautions to minimize civilian casualties during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Israel needs to follow international law and take feasible precautions to protect civilians, raising concerns about civilian deaths, humanitarian aid access, and journalist deaths. The report also condemned Hamas’ October 7th attack on Israel and its abhorrent use of civilians as human shields.
The State Department is investigating allegations of Israeli human rights abuses and will announce restrictions on military aid for specific units, including one with a high conviction rate for abuses against Palestinian civilians. Secretary of State Blinken said the investigation follows the same standards as for any other country and will consider evidence of possible violations involving U.S. weapons.
