The High Court in Dublin ruled that the government’s treatment of asylum seekers did not meet EU standards, specifically failing to provide adequate accommodation, breaching the right to dignity. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) challenged the government’s obligations for newly arrived International Protection applicants, leading to this landmark case.
While Justice Barry O’Donnell acknowledged the breach, the court did not issue mandatory orders to address the situation. O’Donnell recognized the government’s efforts to address the issue but emphasized the importance of meeting basic needs as outlined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
This case, heard over three days in June, marked IHREC’s first legal action against the government to ensure essential services for asylum seekers. The commission aimed to compel the government to fulfill its duties in providing necessities like food, shelter, and hygiene facilities, highlighting the significance of upholding human rights in the treatment of vulnerable populations.