I am aware that the UNHCR has reported that conditions in the Tindouf camps remain fragile. In the absence of a national asylum law, the UNHCR continues to conduct registration and Refugee Status Determination (RSD) under its mandate, while advocating for a transition to a state-led asylum system
The UN has also noted that birth registration services need reinforcement, and through the Sahrawi Refugee Response Plan 2026-2027 aims to equip community judicial institutions to strengthen service delivery and ensure access to essential services such as birth registration and identity documentation. Ireland continues to keep the situation under review.
Ireland maintains diplomatic relations with Algeria and engages regularly with Algeria on a range of issues at the bilateral and multilateral level. Ireland also maintains contact with representatives of the Polisario Front at official level.
The EU humanitarian programme has been a long-standing humanitarian partner for the Sahrawi refugee crisis, and has provided €305 million in assistance since 1993. In 2026, the EU will provide €6 million for the crisis.
Ireland's position on Western Sahara has been, and continues to be, guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
Ireland's engagement on this issue will also continue to take account of the role of, and the insights provided by, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, who recently visited Algeria. Any outcome should be consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, including the fundamental principle in international law of the right of peoples to self-determination.
Any relevant developments will continue to be kept under close review, including in the context of EU and UN discussions.
