Refugee Day
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Embedded Files
On World Refugee Day 2011, asylum seekers in Ireland marched to demand basic human rights and dignity, and most importantly to end direct provision.
On World Refugee Day 2011, asylum seekers in Ireland marched to demand basic human rights and dignity, and most importantly to end direct provision.
However.
Not only has the system of direct provision continued, it does so despite various human rights organisations deeming it illegal under the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive - the system of International Protection rules put in place to protect those seeking asylum.
Not only has the system of direct provision continued, it does so despite various human rights organisations deeming it illegal under the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive - the system of International Protection rules put in place to protect those seeking asylum.
Refugees, individuals seeking asylum, and ethnic minorities are increasingly subjected to a rising number of racist incidents, compounded by misguided backlash from communities opposed to the establishment of direct provision centers in their areas.
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Who's to blame?
Despite having no control or influence over government policies or decision making in these matters, these very vulnerable groups in Irish society are targeted by fringe political opposition forces in a misguided attempt to intimidate them, and they bear the brunt of this backlash. For those coming into Ireland seeking asylum, this can be incredibly distressing, as the vast majority have experienced torture, inhumane conditions or targeted abuse in their home countries. However, regardless of whether this is the case, they are people who have been through a very challenging journey to get to Ireland, and need protection, compassion and welcome, as we would expect and demand if we were to need the protection of a host country ourselves.
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We must never forget our history, and the fact that it was not that long ago when we sought out a better life through emmigration to the US, the UK and other countries abroad, in search of jobs, security and the pursuit of happiness.
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Homelessness
Homelessness has emerged as a contentious issue in discussions surrounding people seeking asylum. However, it is important to note that over 90 percent of homeless individuals, including those seeking asylum and refugees, are housed in emergency accommodation. The commonly cited figure of '12,000' homeless people erroneously equates homelessness solely with sleeping rough, which is not an accurate representation. These 12,000 people are living in emergency accomodation, and moreover the accomodation that is provided for people seeking asylum would likely not be accepted by Irish people as the conditions can often be overcrowded and very challenging.
Refugees.
Are.
Welcome.
In reality, there were 526 asylum seekers and 125 other homeless individuals in total sleeping rough in tents in July 2023 this year. The groups that suffer the most in times like these are the Traveller community, and also the inadequately and unsafely accommodated asylum seekers in overcrowded and difficult conditions, both of whom have the right to safe and suitable accomodation.
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The Traveller community has a lot in common with those seeking asylum. Both face serious issues of homelessness, where they are housed in overcrowded, demeaning and innappropriate conditions. The other commonality that has emerged, relates to the fact that the Travelling community have campaigned for a long time to demand that culturally appropriate accomodation be provided, as is the public sector duty of the government, and in similar conditions for people seeking asylum, they frequently report that direct provision centres are not providing culturally appropriate food or are putting in place inappropriate systems that are in contravention of their religion or culture. Food is a big issue, where for example, the food provided for muslim peoples contains pork, or is not prepared in the halal tradition. This practice goes against the right to religious autonomy and would not be accepted by Irish people if the tables were turned.
This year we wanted to show our solidarity and support for refugees and people seeking asylum in Ireland for World Refugee Day on the 20th of June. If you want to show your support, sign up to the pledge of solidarity here.
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