A coalition of 22 civil society organisations has launched comprehensive recommendations on international protection for political party manifestos for the forthcoming general election. Drawing from the organisations’ extensive experience supporting those fleeing war and persecution, the document presents key policy recommendations across six themes: homelessness, the right to asylum, communication, integration, safeguards for young people and pathways to residency for Ukrainian refugees.
The coalition describes the current situation as characterised by unprecedented homelessness, deteriorating standards of State accommodation, a clampdown on the right to seek asylum and growing hostility.
In line with Ireland’s values of compassion, justice and inclusivity, the organisations urge all political parties to commit to the proposed changes in their manifestos and any programme for government negotiations ahead of the forthcoming general election.
Nick Henderson, Irish Refugee Council CEO, said:
“We are witnessing a protection system in decline. There is a clampdown on the right to seek protection, thousands of people are without accommodation, many are living in poor conditions and there is no comprehensive response to the attacks on people seeking protection. These recommendations represent a roadmap for change and improvement. We call on all political parties to prioritise these proposed changes and include them in their manifestos and any programme for government negotiations.”
Emma Lane-Spollen, Ukraine Civil Society Forum National Coordinator, said:
“Irelands’ offer of sanctuary to people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine back in March 2022 was very genuine and deeply felt. Everybody stepped up and we did what had to be done. It was the right thing to do then. It still is. Let’s see this through to the end successfully. What Ukrainians in Ireland need most now is clarity on what happens next, post Temporary Protection. The not knowing leaves people in limbo, lives on hold. We need a plan now.”
John Lannon, Doras CEO, said:
“Ireland is legally and morally obliged to continue to accept people seeking international protection, regardless of how they get here. We hope all political parties will commit to implementing these recommendations to ensure the human rights of all people seeking protection are respected and protected, and to enable them to rebuild their lives in their new home.”
The recommendations are:
End homelessness of people seeking of protection and improve reception conditions.
With over 5,500 newly arrived protection applicants experiencing homelessness since January 2023, and more than 2,700 currently without accommodation, immediate action is needed to accommodate all homeless people and improve conditions for people in State provided accommodation. Re-focus on medium to long-term planning with a shift towards non-profit accommodation models, increase oversight of all accommodation centres and reinstate vulnerability assessments.
Place the fundamental right to apply for asylum at the core of the protection procedure.
Recent punitive measures such as doorstep operations at airports and prosecutions of people without documentation undermine the right to seek asylum. Such punitive measures should be ended. There is need to enhance access to legal aid including reinstitution of advice at pre-questionnaire stage, review the ‘safe countries’ policy, and ensure progressive implementation of the Pact on Asylum to limit the negative impact on people seeking protection.
Build effective communications with communities on international protection.
To tackle the growing issue of disinformation and misinformation; greater community engagement, a government-led communications campaign, increased resources for local health and community services, and funding for schools to promote trauma awareness, intercultural education, and combat racism; are needed.
Support people to build new lives in Ireland.
End transfers which are disrupting the integration of people with status. Instead, increase resources to assist them to transition from Direct Provision into their communities and allow international protection applicants to work immediately after submitting their applications. Increase the Daily Expenses Allowance and implement the promised and overdue International Protection Child Payment.
Protect and support children and young people in the international protection process.
To provide better safeguards for children and young people; urgently reduce reliance on unregulated emergency accommodation, provide them with legal representation in family reunification applications, increase funding for Tusla’s Separated Children Seeking International Protection team, ensure International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) staff receive child safeguarding training and employ more youth workers to support integration and inclusion.
Continue the welcome of refugees from Ukraine.
While Ireland’s initial response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis was commendable, recent policy shifts have caused great concern. A post-temporary protection plan that outlines a pathway to residency and citizenship should be developed, accommodation strategies and targets revised to facilitate the provision of adequate support for people seeking refuge from Ukraine to facilitate an easier transition from State-provided accommodation.
The manifesto recommendations report is available here.
