Nick Henderson

The law centre launched 10 new High Court judicial review cases in 2023, with three cases selected as lead cases in respect of international protection applicants experiencing homelessness.

It referred 13 clients to A & L Goodbody for representation in international protection applications, and six family reunification applications.

The law centre provided ongoing legal representation for 134 people in the international protection process.

Some 67 clients were represented in family reunification applications, and 21 age-disputed minor clients supported in age assessment process.

The charity’s 2023 impact report showcases the broad range of work undertaken by the organisation and its impact on people seeking protection and refugees.

Irish Refugee Council CEO Nick Henderson said: “2023 was dominated by an increase in demand for our services and, due to the external environment, people we support presenting with increasingly challenging circumstances and issues.

“The demand on our services required us to review how we approach our work. We introduced technologies that increased the capacity of our frontline services, created multimedia information resources and increased outreach.

“Through our dedicated staff and the incredible backing of our donors and supporters, we doubled the number of people we assisted compared to 2022.

“We applaud and celebrate the remarkable acts of solidarity and compassion from communities and individuals across the country that helped people seeking protection integrate into their new communities and cope with the hostilities.

“Unfortunately, as we launch this report, we once again raise our deep concern for the 2,644 protection applicants without accommodation and the increasingly hostile environment for people seeking sanctuary in Ireland.”