UN Agency Holds Irish Government Accountable for Refugee Housing Crisis

Dublin: The United Nations is set to address the issue of homelessness in Ireland, particularly concerning refugees, urging the Irish government to prioritise their housing needs. In a report presented to the UN committee overseeing compliance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, the UNHCR has highlighted Ireland’s struggles in adequately addressing the housing challenges faced by asylum seekers.

With over 17,000 applicants for international protection residing in emergency accommodation centres throughout the country, the UNHCR has emphasised the necessity for urgent action. They have called upon the Irish government to implement exceptional measures to alleviate the homelessness crisis among asylum seekers, ensuring their humanitarian needs are met.

The UNHCR’s report underscores the imperative of ending reliance on emergency accommodation, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, and instead advocates for the adoption of national standards across all government-provided housing facilities. Furthermore, the report stresses the importance of eradicating tented accommodation and promptly securing suitable housing for newly arrived refugees.

While acknowledging the complexities involved in accommodating new arrivals, the UNHCR emphasises the legal and moral obligation of the Irish government to fulfil the basic needs of individuals seeking safety within its borders. The recent appointment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to oversee the quality of direct provision centres has been welcomed by the UNHCR as a positive step towards ensuring adequate living conditions for refugees in Ireland.

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