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A home

13 – 17

years

old

What does this mean?

How is this right protected in Ireland?

Quiz

Does every child in Ireland get this right?

Ahmed’s story

What does this mean?

Article 27 of the UNCRC says you have the right to an adequate standard of living which includes a safe place to live, which helps you reach your full potential.

How is this right protected in Ireland?

There is no right to housing in the Constitution, but if you have nowhere to live the government should provide you with emergency accommodation. This should only be a short-term solution.

People who can’t afford to buy or rent a home are able to apply for social housing.

The government also have schemes such as the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to help people pay rent to private landlords (however, this isn’t as secure as social housing).

Quiz

How many children in Ireland are not getting their right to a home?

Over 5 thousand children are considered homeless in Ireland, this does not include children living in overcrowded housing, or children who may be living with other family members. These children are often called “hidden homeless”.

There are also many children living in the International Protection Accommodation Service (also known as Direct Provision) who are living in overcrowded, inadequate housing for years.

Does every child in Ireland enjoy this right?

Unfortunately, a lot of children in Ireland are not getting their right to a home. Because a lot of accommodation is privately owned, housing is very expensive and there is not enough to meet the demand.

Social housing waiting lists are very long, because so many people need it. This leaves many people living in emergency accommodation, such as family hubs or hotels. While this is meant to be a short-term solution, families often spend years in these centres that are not suitable for children to grow up in.

The United Nation’s Committee on the Rights of the Child has strongly encouraged the state to address the delays with social housing and temporary accommodation. Listen to the voices of children living in emergency accommodation here.

Ahmed’s story

Ahmed is a baby living with his parents and 3 siblings in an overcrowded room in an IPAS centre in Cork. Because there is not enough space in the room for a cot, Ahmed sleeps in his parents’ bed. The HSE has guidelines to say this is not safe. Staff from the Ombudsman for Children’s office were made aware of this happening to several babies in centres across the country. They made a complaint to IPAS and liaised with them until the issue was resolved and families were given bigger rooms to ensure safe sleeping.

Find out what you can do when you’re not getting your rights.