Dr Ciara Smyth

PhD, LL.M, LL.B, B.A.

Contact Details

Assistant Professor
Tower 2
Arts/Science Concourse
School of Law
University of Galway
T: Ext. 2937
E: ciara.m.smyth@universityofgalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

Dr. Ciara Smyth is an established expert in the field of refugee and immigration law at the international, regional and domestic levels, with a particular focus on the rights of the child. She has published in many of the leading international journals, including the European Law Journal, the Human Rights Law Review, the International Journal of Refugee Law, the European Journal of Migration and Law and the Journal of Refugee Studies. She has written extensively on the Common European Asylum System and her book, 'European Asylum Law and the Rights of the Child' (Routledge, 2014), explores the extent to which the European regional system of refugee protection is consistent with the rights of the child.  

Before joining the University of Galway, Ciara worked for a number of non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations in Ireland and abroad, including the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas and the United Nations High 
Commissioner for Refugees. Ciara continues to be involved in supporting civil society organisations working in the asylum and immigration space at the local and national level. For example, she is a member of the Legal Advisory Council to the Independent Law Centre at the Irish Refugee Council (IRC) and was formerly chair of the board of directors of the IRC; she recently joined the board of directors of the Immigrant Council of Ireland; and she has worked with Galway City Partnership's Bridge Project, which provides reception and integration supports to asylum seekers and immigrants in Galway City and County. Ciara has also worked with the State on asylum reform and was the only academic member of the government-appointed McMahon Working Group on Direct Provision. She is the leading academic voice in media discussions on asylum and immigration in Ireland, bringing facts and balance to an otherwise polarised debate.

Ciara holds a PhD from Leiden University, the Netherlands, for which she was awarded a Max Van Der Stoel Human Rights award in 2013; an LL.M in Human Rights (with distinction) from Queen's University Belfast; and an LL.B and B.A. from the University of Galway. 
 

Ciara is Programme Director of the LL.M in International Migration and Refugee Law and Policy at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, which began in September 2019. She was co-founder of the University of Galway Inclusive Centenaries Scholarship - the forerunner to the current University of Sanctuary Scholarship, and has chaired the University of Sanctuary Scholarship panel since its inception. Ciara was recipient of a President's Award for Teaching Excellence in 2018 and a President's Award for Research Excellence (Research Supervision) in 2024.


Research Interests

Ciara researches in the areas of refugee and immigration law, policy and practice at the international, European and domestic levels and is interested in how these fields intersect with human rights law. Her specialised interest is the human rights implications of the treatment of migrant, asylum seeking and refugee children. Her recent research includes an exploration of the interaction between mutual trust and the fundamental rights of children under the EU Dublin Regulation; the permissibility of the immigration detention of children under international and regional human rights law; and the implications of adopting a child-rights approach to the refugee definition.

Ciara has supervised three PhD students to completion: Dr Stefano Angeleri's PhD research concerned the right to health of irregular migrants; Dr Luke Hamilton, an Irish Research Council scholar, conduced research into constructions of vulnerability in International Refugee Law; and Dr Maria Portuondo conducted comparative research into the impact of human rights law on internment during the Troubles in Northern Ireland and in Guantanamo Bay. Ciara is currently supervising two PhD students: Clara Bosch March and Phil Collins. Clara, an Irish Research Council scholar, is researching the prohibition on the collective expulsion of aliens in the European Convention on Human Rights, with a particular focus on so-called 'hot returns' from Spain and Italy. Phil, who Ciara is co-supervising with Professor Siobhan Mullally, is conducting research into the normative content of the right to asylum and how this right is affected in the US immigration-control context.

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2023) 'The Dublin Regulation, mutual trust and fundamental rights: No exceptionality for children?'
Ciara Smyth (2023) 'The Dublin Regulation, mutual trust and fundamental rights: No exceptionality for children?'. European Law Journal, 28 (4-6):242-262 [DOI] [Details]
(2021) 'The Human Rights Approach to 'Persecution' and its Child Rights Discontents'
Ciara Smyth (2021) 'The Human Rights Approach to 'Persecution' and its Child Rights Discontents'. International Journal of Refugee Law, 33 (2):238-276 [DOI] [Details]
(2019) 'A Turn Towards Fundamental Rights or Just a Swerve? The Jurisprudence of the CJEU on Family Reunification for Static Union Citizens and Third Country National Immigrants'
Ciara Smyth (2019) 'A Turn Towards Fundamental Rights or Just a Swerve? The Jurisprudence of the CJEU on Family Reunification for Static Union Citizens and Third Country National Immigrants'. Journal of Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Law, 33 (4):283-301 [Details]
(2019) 'Towards a Complete Prohibition on the Immigration Detention of Children'
Ciara Smyth (2019) 'Towards a Complete Prohibition on the Immigration Detention of Children'. Human Rights Law Review, 19 (1):1-36 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Chronicle of a Reform Process: the Irish Working Group on Protection'
Ciara Smyth (2016) 'Chronicle of a Reform Process: the Irish Working Group on Protection'. Journal of Refugee Studies, 29 (3):388-410 [DOI] [Details]
(2015) 'The Best Interests of the Child in the Expulsion and First-entry Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights: How Principled is the Court's Use of the Principle?'
Ciara Smyth (2015) 'The Best Interests of the Child in the Expulsion and First-entry Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights: How Principled is the Court's Use of the Principle?'. European Journal of Migration and Law, 17 (1):70-103 [DOI] [Details]
(2013) 'Is the Right of the Child to Liberty Safeguarded in the Common European Asylum System?'
Ciara Smyth (2013) 'Is the Right of the Child to Liberty Safeguarded in the Common European Asylum System?'. European Journal of Migration and Law, 15 (2):111-136 [DOI] [Details]
(2010) 'Why is it So Difficult to Promote a Rights-Based Approach to Immigration?'
Ciara Smyth (2010) 'Why is it So Difficult to Promote a Rights-Based Approach to Immigration?'. Irish Human Rights Law Review, 1 (1):83-110 [Details]
(2005) 'Refugee Status Determination of Separated Children: International Developments and the Irish Response, Part I - The Refugee Definition''
Ciara Smyth (2005) 'Refugee Status Determination of Separated Children: International Developments and the Irish Response, Part I - The Refugee Definition''. Irish Journal Of Family Law, 1 (January):15-22 [Details]
(2005) 'Refugee Status Determination of Separated Children: International Developments and the Irish Response, Part II - The Asylum Procedure''
Ciara Smyth (2005) 'Refugee Status Determination of Separated Children: International Developments and the Irish Response, Part II - The Asylum Procedure''. Irish Journal Of Family Law, 2 (Summer):21-28 [Details]
(2001) 'Does the Statute of the International Criminal Court Deal Adequately with the Problem of Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict?'
Ciara Smyth (2001) 'Does the Statute of the International Criminal Court Deal Adequately with the Problem of Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict?'. Occasional Paper Queen'S University Belfast, :1-70 [Details]

Books

  Year Publication
(2014) European Asylum Law and the Rights of the Child.
Ciara Smyth (2014) European Asylum Law and the Rights of the Child. Oxford: Routledge. [DOI] [Details]
(2013) The Common European Asylum System and the Rights of the Child: An Exploration of Meaning and Complaince.
Ciara Smyth (2013) The Common European Asylum System and the Rights of the Child: An Exploration of Meaning and Complaince. Leiden, the Netherlands: Meijers-reeks. Uitgeverij Boxpress, 'sHertogenbosch. [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2021) 'Family Life and the Best Interests of the Child in the Field of Migration'
Ciara Smyth (2021) 'Family Life and the Best Interests of the Child in the Field of Migration' In: Fundamental Rights in the EU Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. :119-138 Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'Migration, Refugees and Children's Rights'
Ciara Smyth (2018) 'Migration, Refugees and Children's Rights' In: International Human Rights of Children. :421-454 New York: Springer Publishers. [Details]
(2018) 'The Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights Relevant to Child Migrants'
Ciara Smyth (2018) 'The Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights Relevant to Child Migrants' In: Research Handbook on Child Migration. :140-156 Northampton MA: Edward Elgar Publishing. [Details]
(2014) 'Children, Direct Provision and the European Convention on Human Rights'
Ciara Smyth (2014) 'Children, Direct Provision and the European Convention on Human Rights' In: Ireland and the European Convention on Human Rights, 60 Years and Beyond. :159-181 London: Bloomsbury. [Details]
(2012) 'The Best Interests of the Immigrant Child in the European Courts: Problems and Prospects'
Ciara Smyth (2012) 'The Best Interests of the Immigrant Child in the European Courts: Problems and Prospects' In: Het Kind in het Immigratierecht. :149-160 The Hague: Publicatiereeks Instituut voor Immigratierecht. [Details]
(2006) 'The Irish Citizenship Referendum 2004: A Solution in Search of a Problem?'
Ciara Smyth & Donncha O'Connell (2006) 'The Irish Citizenship Referendum 2004: A Solution in Search of a Problem?' In: Migration, Diasporas and Legal Systems. :127-144 London and New York: Routledge Cavendish. [Details]
(2003) 'Citizenship and the Irish Constitution'
Ciara Smyth & Donncha O'Connell (2003) 'Citizenship and the Irish Constitution' In: Sanctuary in Ireland, Perspectives on Asylum Law and Policy. :229-245 Dublin, Ireland: Institute of Public Administration. [Details]

Book Review

  Year Publication
(2016) The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, A Commentary.
Ciara Smyth (2016) The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, A Commentary. Irish Journal for European law, Irish Society for European Law Book Review [ARAN Link] [Details]

Published Reports

  Year Publication
(2015) Working Group to Report to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers.
Working Group to Report to Government on the Irish International Protection System (2015) Working Group to Report to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers. Government Publications, Dublin. [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2008) Odysseus Academic Network, National Report (Ireland) on Directive 2004/81 on Victims of Trafficking.
Ciara Smyth (2008) Odysseus Academic Network, National Report (Ireland) on Directive 2004/81 on Victims of Trafficking. Odysseus Academic Network for Legal Studies on Immigration and Asylum in Europe, Universite Libre de Bruxelles. [Details]
(2008) Odysseus Academic Network, National Report (Ireland) on Directive 2001/40 on Mutual Recognition of Expulsion Decisions.
Ciara Smyth (2008) Odysseus Academic Network, National Report (Ireland) on Directive 2001/40 on Mutual Recognition of Expulsion Decisions. Odysseus Academic Network for Legal Studies on Immigration and Asylum in Europe, Universite Libre de Bruxelles. [Details]
(2008) Odysseus Academic Network, National Report (Ireland) on Directive 2203/86 on Family Reunification.
Ciara Smyth (2008) Odysseus Academic Network, National Report (Ireland) on Directive 2203/86 on Family Reunification. Odysseus Network, Universite Libre de Bruxelles. [Details]
(2003) National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism, Advocacy Paper No. 3: The Citizenship Referendum, Issues, Observations and Concerns.
Ciara Smyth (2003) National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism, Advocacy Paper No. 3: The Citizenship Referendum, Issues, Observations and Concerns. National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism, Dublin, Ireland. [ARAN Link] [Details]

Other Journals

  Year Publication
(2007) 'International Perspective on the D case'
Ciara Smyth (2007) 'International Perspective on the D case' Law Society Gazette, :20-21. [Details]

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2024) In conversation with European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly,
Ciara Smyth (2024) Ciara Smyth interviews European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, about her work in the immigration/asylum area. [Organising Chair], In conversation with European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, University of Galway , 12-NOV-24 - 12-NOV-24. [Details]
(2024) Enlight Conference on Innovation and Creativity in Higher Education,
Ciara Smyth and Emily Kelly (2024) The interactive oral as an authentic assessment. [Refereed Abstracts], Enlight Conference on Innovation and Creativity in Higher Education, Tartu, Estonia , 07-OCT-24 - 09-OCT-24. [Details]
(2024) Ghent University and University of Galway in collaboration with the Elena Bonner School of Human Rights,Online School on Human Rights 2024,
Ciara Smyth (2024) The Human Rights Implications of the New EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. [Published Abstract], Ghent University and University of Galway in collaboration with the Elena Bonner School of Human Rights,Online School on Human Rights 2024, Online , 03-SEP-24 - 10-OCT-24. [Details]
(2024) Institute for Study Abroad 2024,
Ciara Smyth (2024) Ireland, Asylum and EU Law. [Invited Lecture], Institute for Study Abroad 2024, University of Galway , 12-JUL-24 - 12-JUL-24. [Details]
(2024) Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference 2024,
Ciara Smyth (2024) Lessons for scholars of European Migration and Asylum Law from the Global South. [Refereed Abstracts], Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference 2024, University of Bristol , 03-SEP-24 - 05-SEP-24. [Details]
(2024) Odysseus Network Summer School 2024,
Ciara Smyth (2024) Family Reunification for Third Country Nationals in EU Law. [Published Abstract], Odysseus Network Summer School 2024, Brussels, Belgium , 08-JUL-24 - 08-JUL-24. [Details]
(2024) The New EU Pact and Emerging Issues in Immigration and Asylum in Ireland,
Ciara Smyth (2024) Co-hosted with the Immigration, Asylum and Citizenship Bar Association. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], The New EU Pact and Emerging Issues in Immigration and Asylum in Ireland, University of Galway , 05-JUL-24 - 05-JUL-24. [Details]
(2024) Feile na Bealtaine, Dingle, There is Room at the Inn: Asylum in Ireland,
Ciara Smyth (2024) Discussion with Joanne Williams BL about Ireland and asylum. [Invited Oral Presentation], Feile na Bealtaine, Dingle, There is Room at the Inn: Asylum in Ireland, Courthouse, Dingle , 03-MAY-24. [Details]
(2022) What role for EU rights in the current global order? Common Market Law Review on tour,
Ciara Smyth (2022) The face-off between mutual trust and fundamental rights in the Dublin Regulation. [Refereed Abstracts], What role for EU rights in the current global order? Common Market Law Review on tour, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Dublin , 11-NOV-22 - 11-NOV-22. [Details]
(2019) Women on Supreme Courts,
Ciara Smyth (2019) Present and past members of the Irish Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of the Seychelles discuss the role of women judges and lawyers. [Chaired Session], Women on Supreme Courts, Human Biology Building, University of Galway , 05-MAR-19. [Details]
(2018) Safeguarding Children's Rights in Immigration Law,
Ciara Smyth (2018) Towards a Complete Prohibition on the Immigration Detention of Children. [Refereed Abstracts], Safeguarding Children's Rights in Immigration Law, Leiden University, the Netherlands , 23-NOV-18. [Details]
(2018) The Reception Conditions Directive,
Ciara Smyth (2018) Ireland's Human Rights Obligations and Opting-in to the Reception Conditions Directive. [Published Abstract], The Reception Conditions Directive, Law Society of Ireland, Dublin , 22-MAR-18. [Details]
(2018) The Rights of Migrants & Refugees: Exploring the Role of Courts & Tribunals,
Ciara Smyth (2018) The European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human rights and the Committee on the Rights of the Child on the Immigration Detention of Children. [Published Abstract], The Rights of Migrants & Refugees: Exploring the Role of Courts & Tribunals, University of Galway , 18-MAY-18. [Details]
(2018) Summer School: The Immigrant Child - Challenges and Opportunities in International Migration for Children,
Ciara Smyth (2018) The International Legal Position on the Immigration Detention of Children. [Published Abstract], Summer School: The Immigrant Child - Challenges and Opportunities in International Migration for Children, Leiden University, the Netherlands , 28-JUN-18. [Details]
(2018) 10th International Disability Law Summer School,
Ciara Smyth (2018) Reservations and Declarations to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. [Published Abstract], 10th International Disability Law Summer School, University of Galway , 18-JUN-18 - 18-JUN-18. [Details]
(2018) The Right to Respect for Private Life and the Regularisation of Irregular Migrants,
Ciara Smyth (2018) The best interests of the child principle in the Article 8 jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. [Published Abstract], The Right to Respect for Private Life and the Regularisation of Irregular Migrants, Leiden University, the Netherlands , 29-JUN-18. [Details]
(2018) The Rights of Migrants & Refugees: Exploring the Role of Courts & Tribunals,
Ciara Smyth (2018) Conference to launch the LL.M in International Migration and Refugee Law and Policy. [Conference Organising Committee Member], The Rights of Migrants & Refugees: Exploring the Role of Courts & Tribunals, University of Galway , 17-MAY-18 - 18-MAY-18. [Details]
(2017) The Brexit Impact of Criminal Justice Cooperation in Ireland, Association of Criminal Justice Research and Development, 20th Annual Conference,
Ciara Smyth (2017) The Asylum and Immigration Implications of Brexit. [Published Abstract], The Brexit Impact of Criminal Justice Cooperation in Ireland, Association of Criminal Justice Research and Development, 20th Annual Conference, Spencer Hotel, IFSC, Dublin , 06-OCT-17 - 06-OCT-17. [Details]
(2017) Measuring Up for Children: Reviewing the 'McMahon' Recommendations,
Ciara Smyth (2017) Children, the Protection Process and McMahon: Where Are We Now?. [Published Abstract], Measuring Up for Children: Reviewing the 'McMahon' Recommendations, Children's Rights Alliance, Irish Architectural Archive, 45 Merrion Square East, Dublin 2 , 08-JUN-17. [Details]
(2017) Responding to the Needs of Refugee Children,
Ciara Smyth (2017) Children in the Protection Process: Are Their Rights Being Met?. [Published Abstract], Responding to the Needs of Refugee Children, University College Dublin , 20-JUN-17. [Details]
(2017) 9th International Disability Law Summer School,
Ciara Smyth (2017) The A, B, C of Treaty Interpretation in International Law. [Published Abstract], 9th International Disability Law Summer School, University of Galway , 19-JUN-17 - 23-JUN-17. [Details]
(2016) Irish Society of Comparative Law Annual Conference: Dis(Locating) Comparative Law,
Ciara Smyth (2016) Is there a Refugee Crisis in Europe?. [Published Abstract], Irish Society of Comparative Law Annual Conference: Dis(Locating) Comparative Law, University of Galway , 23-MAY-16. [Details]
(2016) (Dis)locating Comparative Law,
Ciara Smyth (2016) The Welfare State and Public Service. [Chaired Session], (Dis)locating Comparative Law, University of Galway , 24-MAY-16. [Details]
(2016) Inclusive Centenaries,
Ciara Smyth (2016) Conference to explore the ideals of the 1916 Proclamation of Independence from the perspective of Ireland's 'new' communities. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Inclusive Centenaries, University of Galway , 15-JUN-16. [Details]
(2016) Inclusive Centenaries,
Ciara Smyth (2016) The Voices of Young People Living in Direct Provision. [Track Chair ], Inclusive Centenaries, University of Galway , 15-JUN-16. [Details]
(2015) European Union Asylum Law,
Ciara Smyth (2015) The Best Interests of the Child and the Common European Asylum System. [Published Abstract], European Union Asylum Law, Hilton Hotel, Dublin , 15-JAN-15. [Details]
(2015) 2nd Mary Robinson Centre Annual Human Rights Lecture, Conflict, Climate Change and Displacement,
Ciara Smyth (2015) Europe's Response to the Current Refugee 'Crisis'. [Published Abstract], 2nd Mary Robinson Centre Annual Human Rights Lecture, Conflict, Climate Change and Displacement, The Mary Robinson Centre, Ballina , 28-NOV-15 - 28-NOV-15. [Details]
(2014) Public Law: Dignity, Detention and the State,
Ciara Smyth (2014) Dignity and the Direct Provision System. [Published Abstract], Public Law: Dignity, Detention and the State, University of Galway , 31-OCT-14 - 31-OCT-14. [Details]
(2013) The European Convention on Human Rights and Ireland: 60 Years and Beyond,
Ciara Smyth (2013) Is the Treatment of Asylum-Seeking Children in Direct Provision Contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights?. [Published Abstract], The European Convention on Human Rights and Ireland: 60 Years and Beyond, University College Dublin , 29-JUN-13. [Details]
(2013) Public Law in Action,
Ciara Smyth (2013) A Role for Pro-Bono Work in Private Practice. [Published Abstract], Public Law in Action, Burren College of Art , 11-OCT-13 - 11-OCT-13. [Details]
(2012) The Child in Immigration Law,
Ciara Smyth (2012) The Best Interests of the Child in the European Courts: Problems and Prospects. [Published Abstract], The Child in Immigration Law, Leiden University, The Netherlands , 27-JAN-12. [Details]
(2012) The Children's Referendum,
Ciara Smyth (2012) Expert panel discussion with the Minister for Justice and Equality. [Invited Oral Presentation], The Children's Referendum, University of Galway , 16-OCT-12. [Details]
(2012) The Child in Immigration Law,
Ciara Smyth (2012) Conference exploring the portrayal and treatment of children in immigration law. [Conference Organising Committee Member], The Child in Immigration Law, Leiden University, the Netherlands , 27-JAN-12 - 27-JAN-12. [Details]
(2007) New Rules for the New Irish,
Ciara Smyth (2007) Protection Aspects of the Immigration, Protection and Residence Bill. [Published Abstract], New Rules for the New Irish, Law Society of Ireland, Dublin , 26-JAN-07. [Details]
(2007) North-South Roundtable Discussion on Immigration,
Ciara Smyth (2007) Overview of EU and Irish Legislation and Policy on Immigration. [Published Abstract], North-South Roundtable Discussion on Immigration, Dundalk , 18-MAY-07 - 18-MAY-07. [Details]
(2005) Future Developments in Refugee Law,
Ciara Smyth (2005) The Future for Subsidiary Protection in Ireland. [Published Abstract], Future Developments in Refugee Law, University of Galway , 28-MAY-05. [Details]
(2005) Citizens, Non-Citizens and Voting Rights in Europe,
Ciara Smyth (2005) The Right to Vote and Participate in Local Elections: Citizens' Right or Human Right?. [Refereed Abstracts], Citizens, Non-Citizens and Voting Rights in Europe, University of Edinburgh, Scotland , 03-JUN-05. [Details]
(2005) Future Developments in Refugee Law,
Ciara Smyth (2005) Conference to explore likely developments in Refugee Law and the international, regional and domestic levels. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Future Developments in Refugee Law, University of Galway , 28-MAY-05 - 28-MAY-05. [Details]
(2005) The Aftermath of the Citizenship Referendum, the Irish Human Rights Commission,
Ciara Smyth (2005) Public discussion organised by the Irish Human Rights Commission on the aftermath of the citizenship referendum and the so-called 'Irish born child phenomenon'. [Chaired Session], The Aftermath of the Citizenship Referendum, the Irish Human Rights Commission, University of Limerick , 20-AUG-05. [Details]
(2004) W.G. Hart Legal Workshop: The Challenge of Migration to Legal Systems,
Ciara Smyth & Donncha O'Connell (2004) The Irish Citizenship Referendum: Two Solutions in Search of a Problem. [Refereed Abstracts], W.G. Hart Legal Workshop: The Challenge of Migration to Legal Systems, Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, London , 29-JUN-04. [Details]
(2004) Parnell Summer School,
Ciara Smyth (2004) How the Law in Ireland Perceives Immigrants. [Invited Oral Presentation], Parnell Summer School, Avondale, Co. Wicklow , 09-AUG-04 - 09-AUG-04. [Details]

Policy Contribution

  Year Publication
(2016) Children in crisis: unaccompanied migrant children in the EU. Video link: https://parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/82cb35c8-058d-4c46-b398-37dd6a729d98.
House of Lords (2016) Children in crisis: unaccompanied migrant children in the EU. Video link: https://parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/82cb35c8-058d-4c46-b398-37dd6a729d98. Westminster, London: House of Lords Policy Contribution [Details]

Workshops

  Year Publication
(2016) Asylum lawyering, A&L Goodbody.
Ciara Smyth (2016) Asylum lawyering, A&L Goodbody. A&L Goodbody, Dublin: Workshops [Details]
(2014) Workshop on the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children in Ireland and Europe, UNHCR.
Ciara Smyth (2014) Workshop on the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children in Ireland and Europe, UNHCR. Workshops [Details]
(2013) Asylum lawyering, A&L Goodbody.
Ciara Smyth (2013) Asylum lawyering, A&L Goodbody. A&L Goodbody, Dublin: Workshops [Details]

Seminar

  Year Publication
(2022) Undocumented Regularisation Scheme (How it Affects Me).
Ciara Smyth (2022) Undocumented Regularisation Scheme (How it Affects Me). The Bridge Project, Galway City Council: Seminar [Details]
(2022) ENLIGHT seminar: Supporting an ethos and culture of inclusion through the University of Sanctuary movement and programme at NUI Galway.
Ciara Smyth (2022) ENLIGHT seminar: Supporting an ethos and culture of inclusion through the University of Sanctuary movement and programme at NUI Galway. Seminar [Details]
(2013) Irish Refugee Council Masterclass for Asylum Practitioners and Judges: In the Best Interests of Children.
Ciara Smyth & Kathryn Cronin (2013) Irish Refugee Council Masterclass for Asylum Practitioners and Judges: In the Best Interests of Children. Dublin: Irish Refugee Council Seminar [Details]
(2012) Irish Refugee Council Masterclass for Asylum Practitioners and Judges: Using European Case-Law and the Courts in Asylum Litigation.
Ciara Smyth & Cathryn Costello (2012) Irish Refugee Council Masterclass for Asylum Practitioners and Judges: Using European Case-Law and the Courts in Asylum Litigation. Dublin: Irish Refugee Council Seminar [Details]
(2011) The concept of the Best Interests of the Child in International Law, Defence for Children International, the Netherlands.
Ciara Smyth (2011) The concept of the Best Interests of the Child in International Law, Defence for Children International, the Netherlands. Seminar [Details]
(2006) Sexual Violence and Refugee Law, Irish Refugee Council and Mayo Rape Crisis Centre.
Ciara Smyth (2006) Sexual Violence and Refugee Law, Irish Refugee Council and Mayo Rape Crisis Centre. Seminar [Details]
(2004) The Citizenship Referendum, Galway Refugee Support Group.
Ciara Smyth (2004) The Citizenship Referendum, Galway Refugee Support Group. Seminar [Details]

Newspaper Articles

  Year Publication
(2024) The Irish Times, EU's new migration pact portrays irregular migrants as debased, undeserving and possibly criminal.
Ciara Smyth (2024) The Irish Times, EU's new migration pact portrays irregular migrants as debased, undeserving and possibly criminal. Irish Times, Dublin: Irish Times Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2020) The Irish Times, Ireland is Illegally Turning Back Georgians and Albanian Immigrants.
Ciara Smyth (2020) The Irish Times, Ireland is Illegally Turning Back Georgians and Albanian Immigrants. Dublin: Irish Times Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2004) The Irish Times, The Case for Constitutional Reform Has Simply Not Been Made.
Ciara Smyth and Donncha O'Connell (2004) The Irish Times, The Case for Constitutional Reform Has Simply Not Been Made. Dublin: Irish Times Newspaper Articles [Details]

Electronic Article

  Year Publication
(2024) The Conversation, Ireland's asylum debate has turned violent thanks to the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
Ciara Smyth (2024) The Conversation, Ireland's asylum debate has turned violent thanks to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. https://theconversation.com/uk: The Conversation Electronic Article [Details]

Blog

  Year Publication
(2023) Irish Centre for Human Rights Blog, There is room at the Inn.
Ciara Smyth (2023) Irish Centre for Human Rights Blog, There is room at the Inn. Irish Centre for Human Rights Blog Blog [Details]
(2012) The Irish Asylum System is in Need of Radical Reform.
Ciara Smyth (2012) The Irish Asylum System is in Need of Radical Reform. Ireland: Human Rights in Ireland (www.humanrights.ie) Blog [Details]
(2012) The Proposed Constitutional Amendment and the Convention on the Rights of the Child: Are We There Yet?.
Ciara Smyth (2012) The Proposed Constitutional Amendment and the Convention on the Rights of the Child: Are We There Yet?. Ireland: Human Rights in Ireland (www.humanrights.ie) Blog [Details]

Media

  Year Publication
(2015) RTE Radio One, Drivetime.
Ciara Smyth (2015) RTE Radio One, Drivetime. RTE Media [Details]
(2024) RTE Radio One, Drivetime.
Ciara Smyth (2024) RTE Radio One, Drivetime. RTE: RTE Media [Details]
(2024) TRT World Roundtable, How is the UK Rwanda Asylum Plan Affecting Ireland?.
Ciara Smyth (2024) TRT World Roundtable, How is the UK Rwanda Asylum Plan Affecting Ireland?. Media [Details]
(2024) RTE One TV, Prime Time.
Ciara Smyth (2024) RTE One TV, Prime Time. Media [Details]
(2024) RTE Radio One, This Week.
Ciara Smyth (2024) RTE Radio One, This Week. Media [Details]
(2024) RTE Radio One, Drivetime.
Ciara Smyth (2024) RTE Radio One, Drivetime. RTE: Media [Details]
(2024) RTE One TV, Upfront with Katie Hannon.
Ciara Smyth (2024) RTE One TV, Upfront with Katie Hannon. RTE: RTE Media [Details]
(2024) RTE One TV, Upfront with Katie Hannon.
Ciara Smyth (2024) RTE One TV, Upfront with Katie Hannon. RTE Media [Details]
(2024) RTE Radio One, Drivetime.
Ciara Smyth (2024) RTE Radio One, Drivetime. RTE Media [Details]
(2024) RTE Radio One, Drivetime.
Ciara Smyth (2024) RTE Radio One, Drivetime. RTE Media [Details]
(2019) The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk.
Ciara Smyth (2019) The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk. Newstalk Media [Details]
(2016) BBC World Service, The Inquiry.
Ciara Smyth (2016) BBC World Service, The Inquiry. BBC Media [Details]
(2014) RTE Radio One, Morning Ireland.
Ciara Smyth (2014) RTE Radio One, Morning Ireland. RTE Media [Details]
(2006) RTE One TV, Questions and Answers.
Ciara Smyth (2006) RTE One TV, Questions and Answers. RTE: RTE Media [Details]
(2005) RTE Radio One, Spectrum.
Ciara Smyth (2005) RTE Radio One, Spectrum. RTE Media [Details]

Sound recording

  Year Publication
(2024) Idiosync Films, The History of Direct Provision, the Irish Asylum Accommodation System.
Ciara Smyth (2024) Idiosync Films, The History of Direct Provision, the Irish Asylum Accommodation System. Sound recording [Details]
(2024) The Human Rights Podcast, The Irish system of Direct Provision.
Ciara Smyth (2024) The Human Rights Podcast, The Irish system of Direct Provision. Irish Centre for Human Rights, University of Galway: Irish Centre for Human Rights Sound recording [Details]

Teaching Interests

Ciara teaches Public International Law and International Protection of Human Rights, at the undergraduate level in the School of Law, and International Refugee Law and the Common European Asylum System, at the postgraduate level in the Irish Centre for Human Rights.

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
Semester 1 International Protection of Human Rights I LW3127
Semester 2 The Common European Asylum System LW5113 EU asylum law, whether it converges with or diverges from international refugee standards, the refugee 'crisis' in Europe, legal and policy responses
Semester 2 International Refugee Law LW5114 International, regional and national protection of asylum seekers, refugees and persons otherwise in need of international protection
Year-long Public International Law LW323