Ireland - August 2024

On 1 August, the High Court ruled that the Irish government's failure to meet the basic needs of asylum seekers violated its legal obligations under Article 1 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The judgment followed a case brought by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) against the State, marking the first time IHREC exercised its legal authority. However, the Court acknowledged the government's significant efforts to fulfill its responsibilities in providing asylum accommodation. The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) emphasized the ruling's importance, not only for the outcome but also for its analysis of the State's practical response. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) urged the government to take immediate action to ensure accommodation for all asylum seekers. Amid a housing crisis, homelessness among asylum seekers has become a significant issue, and hostilities against asylum seekers have increased.

Sources: Raidió Teilifís Éireann, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, British Broadcasting Corporation, Jurist, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International IDEA (1), International IDEA (2)