Liam Herrick

The rights watchdog has confirmed it has written to justice minister Helen McEntee for clarification on the decision, which was announced earlier this month after the dramatic end of Bashar al-Assad’s rule over Syria.

“While the Assad regime has collapsed, the situation in Syria is far from stable,” chief commissioner Liam Herrick warns in the letter dated 12 December 2024.

“Significant concerns have been raised in relation to the record of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and HTS is but one of a number of militias who control different parts of Syria.

“IP applicants from Syria remain entitled to a decision on their status with due expedition.

“Furthermore, the Commission would be most concerned if general, or blanket, decisions are taken in relation to IP applications from Syrian nationals, who have a legal entitlement to an individual decision on their application.”

The Commission has asked for more clarity on the nature of any proposed pause and its expected duration, as well as the legal basis for the introduction of the pause.

It also seeks information about the practical implications, if any, for Syrian international protection applicants already in the system, and also those who present seeking asylum after 10 December 2024.

The minister has also been asked to describe the likely possible outcomes of the pause.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Herrick said: “In a time of high conflict and rapidly shifting circumstances, when Syria remains unsafe and unstable, IHREC does not believe there is any justification for pausing the process of asylum and that protecting victims who have fled war and persecution must remain the State’s priority.

“We would welcome clarification from the Minister on the legal basis for this temporary pause in processing applications for this group of people.

“The Irish government must ensure that its decisions on Syrians seeking refuge comply with EU and international law at all times.

“We are particularly concerned that any pause in the appropriate consideration of claims for international protection may have significant and irreversible impacts on the rights of refugees and their families.”