Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, has voiced growing concerns over the “growing fatigue and intensifying discussions” within the European Union regarding the cessation of emergency protection measures for Ukrainian refugees. O’Flaherty, who previously served as the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission from 2011 to 2013, issued a statement cautioning against a “slow and fragmented phase-out” of the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), warning it could leave vulnerable populations at risk. The EU has extended the TPD measures for Ukrainians until March 2027, allowing them to live, work, and access healthcare in member states since March 2022, following Russia’s extensive military aggression.
O’Flaherty expressed his apprehension about the waning support and the escalating debates at both EU and national levels about ending these emergency arrangements. “In some countries, policy changes have diminished protection and assistance. In addition, I see rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment, sometimes fuelled by populist politics,” he noted. Highlighting the stakes, he stressed the need for robust national frameworks and a coordinated European approach to prevent Ukrainians from facing dire choices, particularly given the increased Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine over the past year.
O’Flaherty emphasized that any decisions regarding temporary protection should be “anchored in the principle that international protection is withdrawn only when return is safe and durable,” conditions he believes are “manifestly not met today,” asserting that no part of Ukraine is currently safe. According to European Commission data, 4.3 million Ukrainians were living in the EU under temporary protection by the end of March. However, starting in 2024, several EU countries, including Ireland, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, began scaling back financial support for Ukrainian refugees.
In Ireland, the government has decided to phase out state-contracted accommodations for Ukrainians who arrived before March 2024, starting in August over a six-month period. Up to 16,000 Ukrainians currently reside in tourist or commercial accommodations funded by the State. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that the government is considering a repatriation payment to assist Ukrainians in returning home, though no official announcement has been made, and the plan lacks full government approval. More than 120,000 Ukrainians have sought temporary protection in Ireland since March 2022, with around 84,000 residing there as of last February, according to the CSO.
O’Flaherty urged EU member states to avoid a “protection gap” after the expiration of the TPD mechanism in March 2027 and called for long-term solutions to help Ukrainians plan their futures, as millions continue to live in uncertainty, exacerbating their trauma. The Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg, comprises 46 member states and was established in 1949. It is home to the European Court of Human Rights and oversees the European Convention on Human Rights.