UNHCR Statement on the Introduction of Emergency Legislation by the Irish Government

Following the announcement by the Irish Government of emergency legislation which would enable the return of asylum seekers who have entered Ireland from the United Kingdom, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency reiterates that international cooperation is essential to effectively manage the movement of refugees and asylum seekers across international borders. 

Ireland and the United Kingdom have legal obligations under national and international law in relation to those who arrive at their borders seeking asylum. UNHCR urges the two governments to ensure that individuals are not left in a situation of legal limbo.  

To designate a safe third country, certain conditions must be met. These include that people who are returned have access to a fair and efficient asylum procedure, be authorized to remain in the country while a status determination is made and can access their rights.  

The application of the third safe country concept also requires an individualised examination of the specific profile and circumstances of each individual, while a meaningful link should exist between an asylum seeker and the third country to make a transfer reasonable and sustainable.   

UNHCR acknowledges the challenges currently facing the Irish Government in light of an increase in the number of individuals applying for international protection in Ireland, some of whom may have entered from the United Kingdom.  

UNHCR calls on the Irish government to ensure that those seeking asylum in Ireland continue to have the possibility to do so, in line with international and European law. UNHCR also continues to call for practical and workable alternative solutions in the United Kingdom, in the spirit of responsibility-sharing, which lies at the core of the Refugee Convention.   
 

ENDS 
 

For further information contact:
Aoife Kavanagh, Senior External Relations Associate: [email protected],
Aoife Harte, Senior External Relations Assistant: [email protected]