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  1. Home
  2. Refugee Crisis

Refugee Crisis

Since 2015, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of people facing forced displacement. An unprecedented 70.8 million people have have been force to flee their homes worldwide, 25.9 million of whom are refugees with 41.3 million internally displaced. Families are being torn apart and children remain the most affected, making up over 50% of those fleeing persecution and violence. Faced with extremely poor living conditions and with no prospect of being able to return home in the short to medium term, people are forced to move on to try and find safety. The levels of global forced displacement are reaching levels unseen since World War II. It is one of the major challenges of our times. Given the sheer scale of people on the move and in need of protection, the current status quo response is not sustainable. Without alternatives, even the strictest border control efforts will not stop people seeking safety – it will only make journeys more dangerous and deadly.

EU Member States, including Ireland, must do more to ensure that durable solutions are found as people’s lives hang in the balance. As the Irish Refugee Council, we believe it is critical that Ireland plays a central role in showing solidarity with countries hosting the majority of the world’s refugee and displaced populations. We are working toward that goal through our advocacy and policy work, acting as a leading voice in the crisis keeping States accountable along with our partners and networks.

Read more:

Irish Refugee and Migrant Coalition alarm at ending of Naval rescue mission in Mediterranean

Irish Refugee and Migrant Coalition alarm at ending of Naval rescue mission in Mediterranean

IRMC expressed serious concerns over Operation Sophia announcement Read more

Published: 1st April, 2019

Updated: 14th April, 2020

Author: Vikki Walshe

Pathways to Protection and Inclusion

Pathways to Protection and Inclusion

Ireland's role in global refugee protection and migration movements Read more

Published: 13th April, 2018

Updated: 17th August, 2023

Author: Vikki Walshe

Safe and Legal Pathways

Safe and Legal Pathways

Opportunities for Ireland Read more

Published: 2nd November, 2016

Updated: 14th April, 2020

Author: Vikki Walshe

Protection, Resettlement and Integration

Protection, Resettlement and Integration

Ireland's response to the Refugee and Migration Crisis Read more

Published: 13th December, 2015

Updated: 14th April, 2020

Author: Vikki Walshe

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  • University (Sanctuary Scholarships) Funding

    University (Sanctuary Scholarships) Funding

  • Social Welfare

    Social Welfare

    This page gives an overview of social welfare entitlements for international protection applicants in Ireland.

  • Labour Market Access (Work)

    Labour Market Access (Work)

    This page explains what a labour market access permit is, how long it takes to process, how to apply and how to renew.

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    Refugee Support Maps

    This page contains two maps which set out supports for protection applicants and refugees across Ireland. We aim to keep the maps updated as much as possible. Project in partnership with Irish Refugee Council, Open Doors and other collaborators.

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Registered office
37 Killarney Street
Dublin 1
D01 NX74

Phone: 00 353 1 764 5062
Fax: 00 353 1 672 5927
Email: [email protected]

CHY Number: 10153
Registered Charity Number: 20025724
CRO Number: 188693

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