The Ukraine Civil Society Forum welcomes decision to extend temporary protection

  • Caution against eligibility restrictions
  • Emphasise need to continue ARP and state provided accommodation

The Council of the European Union today announced an agreement to extend the temporary protection status granted to people fleeing the war in Ukraine until 4 March 2028. 

Responding to the announcement the Ukraine Civil Society Forum Coordinator Brian Killoran said: 

“We welcome today’s agreement to extend Temporary Protection. However we oppose any interference with and restrictions on eligibility as this is unlikely to be workable. As the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, has referred to: blanket restrictions on temporary protection for specific categories of people and references to military obligations raise human rights concerns.

The extension should also mean that accommodation obligations and essential social welfare payments continue. In line with Minister Jim O’Callaghan’s recognition of the importance of stability for those who found safety in the EU, the Accommodation Recognition Payment should continue beyond March 2027 and that state-provided accommodation should continue to be offered for those who need it, as required by the Temporary Protection Directive.”

ENDS

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For comments: 

John Lannon, CEO, Doras: 087 822 5087, j.lannon@doras.org.Nick Henderson, CEO, Irish Refugee Council: 0858585559, nick@irishrefugeecouncil.ie.

Notes for Editors: 

European Council press release: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/07/15/eu-countries-agree-to-extend-temporary-protection-for-those-fleeing-ukraine-until-march-2028/

Council of Europe press release: https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/council-of-europe-commissioner-calls-for-continued-solidarity-and-human-rights-protection-for-displaced-ukrainians-in-europe

About the Ukraine Civil Society ForumThe Ukraine Civil Society Forum is a short-term, responsive initiative convened by civil society organisations acting collectively to support the emergency settlement of Ukrainian refugees to Ireland. Comprising 121 organisations across Ireland, the Forum aims to provide national coordination of civil society and community responses, connecting into the State’s emergency response structures.