welcome
The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) is a membership-based, independent non-governmental organisation which advocates on behalf of asylum seekers and refugees and has done since 1992. The Irish Refugee Council believes that, in accordance with the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, every person has the right to claim asylum and to have a fair and transparent decision on their application.
The priorities in our current plan are:
- A fair and open system for applying for asylum and protection.
- The rights and interests of separated children.
- The right to a dignified life, particularly for asylum seekers living in direct provision accommodation.
- Public understanding of people seeking protection.
Welcome to our new website. Your comments and ideas are welcome at info@irishrefugeecouncil.ie.
Photo credit: Derek Speirs.
IRC Bulletin
WORLD REFUGEE DAY IN DUBLIN
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Ann Fafi offers an umbrella which says ‘Protect Refugees’ to the Lord Mayor Cllr. Emer Costello at an Irish Refugee Council event marking World Refugee Day on Grafton Street in Dublin. With Nessa Childers MEP, Senator Terry Leyden, Senator David Norris and Aengus Ó’Snodaigh TD. Also present at the event were Sue Conlan, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, Pat Rabbitte, Labour spokesperson on Justice, Senator Alex White, Brendan Durkan TD, Proinsias de Rossa MEP, Joe Costello TD and Senator Joe O’Toole. |
High Court Set to Examine Ministers Prioritisation of Nigerian Refugee Applications
The High Court has heard a challenge to the procedures used by the state in determining Nigerian asylum applications. The case questioned whether the policy of prioritising Nigerian applicants is permissible under the EU minimum required standards. Read More
Supreme Court to Decide on Greek Transfers
The High Court has decided that the Supreme Court should examine the transfer of asylum seekers to Greece under the Dublin regulations. On Thursday 11th February, Judge Clark decided to allow an appeal to the Supreme Court as she found that the matter was in the public interest. Read More
Campaign to Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People
The Children’s Rights Alliance and the Irish Refugee Council have joined hands to back a three-year global campaign between The Body Shop and ECPAT Global, entitled:Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People. Its three aims are to raise awareness of the 1.2 million children trafficked globally on an annual basis, influence the Irish Government to implement stricter anti-trafficking policies and legislation, and empower ordinary people to make a difference. Read More
Reporting on Refugees Guidance By & For Journalists
Dr. Carol Coulter, Legal Affairs Editor of The Irish Times and John Horgan, Press Ombudsman launched Reporting on Refugees Guidance by and for Journalists,written by the National Union of Journalists with the Irish Refugee Council and the UN High Commission for Refugees. Dr Coulter chaired the seminar and the Press Ombudsman launched the report at the Dublin offices of the European Parliament. Also speaking were Seamus Dooley of the NUJ, Abiba Ndeley, Journalist and refugee, Dr. Coulter, Professor Horgan, and Colin Murphy, Freelance Journalist.
The High Court examines the State's prioritisation of Nigerian Refugee Applications - in the meantime 'fast tracking' policy suspended.
Press Releases
System Needs Reform - Direct Provision is Not Working
31st March 09
19th July 09
All Children Deserve Equal Care in Ireland
18th February 10
Provision for asylum seekers fails to measure up under human rights law, 10 years on
news & Media
26th August 10
Open Letter to the Minister for Justice and Law Reform regarding Mosney transfer issue
12th August 10
IRC Statement on Department of Justice denial about Five-year Review
The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) has received information that the Department of Justice and Law Reform is denying that any review of older cases is taking place.
12th August 10
Mosney Update: RIA sets transfer deadline for asylum seekers at Mosney
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) last week issued letters to 70 asylum seekers at Mosney advising them that they will have to transfer to Hatch Hall accommodation centre in Dublin by August 31st.