Tánaiste welcomes UNHCR High Commissioner Grandi to Ireland
- Foilsithe: 16 Iúil 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 16 Iúil 2025
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, welcomes the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi to Ireland today (Wednesday, 16 July).
Speaking ahead of the visit of High Commissioner Grandi, the Tánaiste said:
“UNHCR remains a vital partner for Ireland. At a time when more people than ever are displaced across the world due to conflict, climate change, and instability, Ireland will continue to work with UNHCR to support those most in need in multiple countries and regions.”
Minister of State Richmond welcomed the visit, saying:
“Ireland’s funding to UNHCR in 2024 topped €27 million. So far in 2025, we have maintained core funding of €12.5 million to UNHCR and will also provide support to UNHCR for their work in Ukraine and with Syrian, Afghan, Venezuelan and Rohingya refugees, amongst others. Ireland remains committed to supporting UNHCR in the provision of vital assistance and protection to millions of refugees."
During his visit, the High Commissioner will meet President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and Tánaiste Simon Harris. He will also meet Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan, and Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora Neale Richmond.
Filippo Grandi became the 11th High Commissioner for Refugees on 1 January 2016, and he will complete his term on 31 December 2025. Ireland is one of his final overseas visits. The High Commissioner previously visited Ireland in 2019.
UNHCR estimates that over 123 million people were displaced across the globe at the end of 2024.
ENDS
Press Office
15 July 2025
Notes
Filippo Grandi became the 11th High Commissioner for Refugees on 1 January 2016, having been elected by the UN General Assembly to serve a five-year term. The General Assembly has since twice re-elected him to serve, he will complete his term on 31 December 2025.
The High Commissioner previously visited Ireland in 2019 where he met President Michael D Higgins and government representatives.
UNHCR is one of Ireland’s largest humanitarian partners and recipients of funds. UNHCR has a mandate from the UN General Assembly to lead and coordinate the international response to the assistance and protection needs of refugees. It also works to protect and assist internally displaced persons, returnees, host communities and stateless persons.
Funding from Ireland to UNHCR has risen in recent years, including core, crisis-specific and bilateral contributions through Missions.
In 2024, Ireland provided €27.8 million in support to UNHCR:
(a) Core funding of €12.5 million;
(b) Grants for UNHCR's humanitarian response for specific crises in Afghanistan (€1 million), Bangladesh Rohingya response (€1.5 million), Jordan (€1.5 million), Venezuela refugee response (€2 million), Ukraine (€5.5 million) Sudan (€1 million), Lebanon (€1 million);
(c) Funding directly through our Embassies in Tanzania (€0.8 million) and Uganda (€1 million).
In December, Ireland again pledged to provide a minimum of €24 million to UNHCR in 2025.