UNHCR: Ard-Choimisinéir na Náisiún Aontaithe do Theifigh

In Ireland, UNHCR carries out its Mandate to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees in cooperation with the authorities. We work with government as well as civil society partners to support durable solutions for refugees. We offer our expertise in asylum practice to the asylum determination bodies. We also aim to raise awareness of the global refugee situation and to increase support for UNHCR and refugees in Ireland.

In the last 15 years, Ireland has become a significant country of asylum, hosting over 9,700 refugees. In addition, Ireland has generously operated a resettlement quota, each year accepting 200 refugees (often referred to as "programme refugees"). These already recognised refugees are assisted to move to Ireland with official assistance. UNHCR will have identified these individuals or groups as having continued protection needs despite being recognised refugees in the first country they were granted asylum in.

UNHCR's office in Ireland reports to and is directed by our Regional Representation based in Brussels, which also covers Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.