Organisations working with migrants and refugees have expressed concern about "the negative impact and consequences of deportations" undertaken by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
In a joint statement, they said the "public approach" being taken by the Irish government has created an environment of fear for people in the protection system, causing significant distress for those awaiting decisions on their applications.
The organisations said the approach "does not recognise the contribution and value that those in the system have brought to Irish society", and risks putting them in danger in the country they are returned to.
"It fails to recognise children's physical, psychological, and emotional needs and as such is not in the best interests of the child," according to the statement.
Doras, Nasc, Irish Refugee Council, Immigrant Council of Ireland, Spirasi and Irish Council for Civil Liberties have said that the publicity generated around deportations appeared "intended to deter people from availing of their right to seek international protection in Ireland".
They added that hindering or discouraging applications for asylum potentially puts people at risk of exploitation and harm.
The organisations have suggested that the Government put alternatives in place for those who do not qualify for asylum, such as using existing work permit programmes to enable people to remain in Ireland.
Concern has also been raised about legislation that will transpose the EU Migration Pact into Irish law.
The joint statement has said that the proposed legislation risks people being deported without having exhausted all available remedies, and will result in children or vulnerable applicants being placed in detention while awaiting removal.
The group pointed to the previous government's White Paper on Ending Direct Provision, which they have said "outlined a humane approach to supporting international protection applicants, emphasising early integration as an essential element of the process".
They called on the Government to ensure the human rights, dignity and well-being of applicants are to the forefront in policies and practice.
