Context
In Spring 2023, newly arrived international protection applicants in Ireland were denied reception conditions, leaving many in street homelessness and destitution. Among them was SY, a 17-year-old who fled Afghanistan after threats from the Taliban. On arrival, he received only a single Dunnes voucher and was left homeless, threatened with violence, robbed, and forced to endure hunger and humiliation.
Intervention
The Law Centre represented 10 applicants in High Court judicial review proceedings. Two cases were chosen as lead cases.
- In SY’s case, the court ruled the State had breached obligations under the Reception Conditions Regulations and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which protects human dignity.
- Another case on damages was also pursued, with questions later referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).
Outcome
- By June 2023, the State began providing accommodation to all newly arriving applicants.
- The High Court confirmed that the State has a continuing obligation to provide basic needs — including accommodation — from the moment an application is made.
- In August 2025, the CJEU ruled that States cannot rely on force majeure or capacity pressures to avoid their obligations.
Impact
- SY endured 71 days of homelessness before relief was secured.
- The CJEU’s ruling established an EU-wide precedent: denial of reception conditions is a serious breach of EU law and violates the right to dignity.