UN Migration Agency Hails EU Pact; Irish Groups Raise Concerns

The UN Migration Agency views the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum as an opportunity for a more predictable, fair, and effective approach to migration in Europe, moving beyond crisis-driven responses. The agency urged EU Member States to strengthen migration management and refugee protection, aligning with European values and international obligations.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih stated UNHCR is ready to support member states in strengthening asylum systems, ensuring protection access, upholding human rights, and enabling dignified returns for those not needing international protection. The pact aims to create a more efficient system, departing from years of contentious politics.

However, the pact faces criticism. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is concerned that the legislation transposing the pact into Irish law lacks essential safeguards for vulnerable asylum seekers. They highlight gaps in protection, broad detention powers, issues for trafficking victims, and restrictions on family reunification, warning of human rights violation risks. The commission recommends detention only as a last resort and stronger protections for children and vulnerable groups.

Separately, the Irish Refugee Council (IRC) criticized new rules from the International Protection Act requiring accommodation for family reunification. IRC CEO Nick Henderson expressed concern that this could leave partners and children in harmful situations. The IRC also criticized the fast-tracking of applicants under the new procedures.