Dublin, Ireland – In a bold humanitarian move, Ireland will accept 100 Afghan refugees over the next two years as part of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), announced Tánaiste Micheál Martin on the third anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power.
This decision comes as Afghanistan continues to grapple with what the Tánaiste described as “one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.” Since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, the country has witnessed widespread violations of human, civil, and political rights, particularly against women and girls, who have been disproportionately affected by the regime’s draconian policies.
“In the past three years, we have seen extrajudicial killings, public executions, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests become daily realities for the Afghan people,” Martin said, condemning the Taliban’s oppressive rule. “Ireland cannot stand idly by.”
The IRPP will prioritize the most vulnerable, including women who have risked their lives defending human rights, and professionals in sectors such as justice, politics, media, education, and culture. The program will select 50 refugees for resettlement in both 2024 and 2025.
This announcement underscores Ireland’s ongoing commitment to supporting Afghan people during this crisis. Since the Taliban’s takeover, the IRPP has already allocated 650 places for Afghan refugees, focusing on human rights defenders, journalists, judges, and others at significant risk under the Taliban regime.
The Tánaiste highlighted the dire situation facing ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Hazara people, who continue to endure “horrendous human rights abuses” under the current Afghan government.
With 23.7 million people in Afghanistan now requiring humanitarian assistance, Martin emphasized the importance of international solidarity and the need to spotlight the ongoing suffering of the Afghan people.
As Ireland prepares to welcome these 100 refugees, the nation reaffirms its commitment to upholding human rights and providing a safe haven for those fleeing persecution.