Oct 24, 2011
UNHCR #do1thing: The Rights of Refugees in Ireland
Today, is the final day of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Do 1 Thing campaign. UNHCR Ireland’s campaign site can be viewed here. In previous posts I have :
- Defined the terms ‘refugee’ and ‘asylum seeker’;
- Examined decision making in the status determination process;
- Considered subsidiary protection status; and,
- Focused on sexuality and refugee status.
Needless to say, there are many other issues in relation to asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland, such as the direct provision system and issues surrounding deportation of unsuccessful asylum seekers. However, for my final contribution to UNHCR’s #do1thing campaign, I will outline the rights of those recognised as refugees in Ireland. (It should be noted however, that Ireland has the lowest refugee recognition rate in the whole of the European Union at first instance). Section 3 of the Refugee Act 1996 provides refugees with rights to seek and enter employment, including self-employment, and access education and training, as well as sale and disposal of property under the same conditions as Irish citizens. Refugees must be treated equally with Irish citizens as regards accessing medical care and social protection/welfare payments and services. Refugees recognised in Ireland, also have a right to enter and exit the State (subject only to a prohibition on refugees travelling to the country that they fled from). Under Section 18 of the Refugee Act, a refugee has an entitlement (subject to public policy exceptions) to bring his/her spouse, parent(s) (if under 18) and any child under 18 to Ireland. Long delays in processing such applications (where they were no dispute as to the facts, relationship etc.) have been condemned by the High Court. The Minister for Justice has a discretion to admit other family members, but there is no obligation on him to do so.
