UNHCR Welcomes Vote in Favour of EU Pact on Migration and Asylum

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency welcomes the vote of the Irish Parliament in favour of opting in to the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

The Government has committed to a fair and efficient asylum process. UNHCR believes that the EU Pact can provide a framework for Ireland to ensure that those fleeing war or persecution can enter the country and receive protection as refugees in line with Ireland’s long tradition of upholding human rights.

By opting into the Pact, Ireland is committing to an overhaul of its international protection system over the next two years. 

Welcoming the vote in favour of the Pact, Enda O’Neill, Head of Office, UNHCR Ireland said:  

“This decision marks an important step in making our asylum system more robust and effective and in identifying those who need to be protected as refugees in Ireland. We look forward to supporting the authorities to establish an asylum system that works, both for those seeking refuge, and for Ireland.”

In order to ensure an effective system, asylum-seekers must receive appropriate legal assistance; children and victims of trafficking must be assisted through specific measures, and sufficient resources need to be allocated to ensure fast and fair procedures. UNHCR welcomes Minister for Justice Helen McEntee’s previous assurances that detention will be used only in exceptional circumstances.

Ireland has a strong tradition of upholding the rights of those fleeing war and persecution. The EU Pact offers a framework for an effective international protection system, and by opting in, Ireland is taking an important step in joining other EU member states to strengthen asylum processes and safeguard human rights.

For additional information and enquiries please contact;

Aoife Kavanagh: [email protected]

OR  Aoife Harte: [email protected]