EU Migration Pact a chance to apply more fair approach across Europe - UN agency

The UN Migration Agency (UNHCR) has welcomed the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum as a chance to shift from crisis-driven responses to a more structured, fair, and effective approach across Europe. The agency emphasized that EU Member States should strengthen migration management, refugee protection, and solidarity while adhering to European values and international obligations. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih stated that the UNHCR is prepared to assist all member states in improving asylum systems, ensuring protection for those in need, and upholding human rights while enabling safe returns for those not eligible. The pact overhauls existing EU rules to create a more efficient asylum system, replacing years of politically divisive debates. However, it has faced criticism from both far-right groups, who say it doesn’t go far enough, and refugee organizations, which argue that its legal protections for asylum seekers are inadequate. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission expressed concerns that the legislation transposing the pact into Irish law fails to provide essential safeguards for vulnerable groups, including broad detention powers and restrictions on family reunification. The commission warned that current rules create risks of human rights violations, particularly for children, trafficking victims, and other vulnerable applicants. It recommended that detention be used only as a last resort and called for stronger protections for at-risk groups. The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) also criticized new family reunification rules under the International Protection Act, which now require proof of accommodation for sponsors, including those in state-supported housing. The IRC highlighted that these changes could leave partners and children in dangerous situations, as they may remain in harm or persecution. Additionally, the IRC condemned the fast-tracking of asylum applications under the new procedures, which took effect immediately. CEO Nick Henderson argued that these measures should not have been introduced without addressing concerns over their potential impact on vulnerable asylum seekers.