Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, has raised alarms about the growing discussions within the European Union and across Europe regarding the potential end of emergency protection measures for Ukrainian refugees. Expressing his concern, Mr. O’Flaherty highlighted the risk of leaving vulnerable individuals exposed due to a “slow and fragmented phase-out” of the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), which has been a lifeline for Ukrainian citizens since March 2022, following the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The TPD, which has been extended until March 2027, enables Ukrainians to live, work, and access healthcare in EU member states.
O’Flaherty, previously the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, emphasized in his statement the potential consequences of policy changes in some countries that have reduced protection and assistance for Ukrainians. He also noted the rise of anti-Ukrainian sentiment, often driven by populist politics, and stressed the importance of maintaining robust national frameworks and a coordinated European approach to prevent forcing Ukrainians into making untenable choices. His statement comes amid increased Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, underscoring his recommendation that any decisions regarding temporary protection should be based on the principle that international protection is only withdrawn when return is both safe and sustainable—a condition he asserts is not currently met.
According to the European Commission, approximately 4.3 million Ukrainian citizens were under temporary protection in the EU as of the end of March. However, starting in 2024, several EU countries, including Ireland, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, have begun reducing financial support for these refugees. Many have shifted their focus to integrating Ukrainian residents into the labor market as financial support is phased out. In Ireland, the government plans to withdraw state-funded commercial accommodations for Ukrainians who arrived before March 2024, beginning in August and continuing over six months. Currently, around 16,000 Ukrainians in Ireland are housed in state-funded tourist or commercial accommodations.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan from Ireland recently confirmed that the government is considering ways to assist Ukrainian citizens wishing to return to Ukraine, though no specific repatriation payment plan has been announced or approved. Since March 2022, over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees have sought temporary protection in Ireland, with approximately 84,000 still residing there as of last February, according to the Central Statistics Office.
In his call to action, O’Flaherty urged EU member states to preemptively address potential “protection gaps” when the current TPD mechanism expires in March 2027. He stressed the necessity of long-term solutions to provide Ukrainians with the stability needed to plan their futures, as the uncertainty they face exacerbates existing trauma. The Council of Europe, encompassing 46 member states and headquartered in Strasbourg, oversees the European Court of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, reaffirming its commitment to uphold human rights and protection for those in need.