In response to the recent shocking events around the reception of people seeking asylum in Ireland, Comhlámh is deeply concerned about the failure of government and state departments and bodies to ensure the equal entitlement of everyone within our society to secure, adequate and safe accommodation. In solidarity with those living in precarious and dangerous conditions on our streets, especially those whose shelters were so brutally dismantled in recent days, we are calling on our public representatives and public service providers to provide secure, adequate and safe accommodation for ALL international protection applicants without delay, and to respect basic human rights and dignity.
As members of Comhlámh, we urge you to stand alongside us and many others, in supporting this call. We particularly want to acknowledge the work of community members and movements such as the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) that are continuously and tirelessly working to support and advocate for those seeking protection in Ireland. They cannot do it alone however – and we must amplify their messages.
The Local and European elections are only a month away and this gives us an opportunity to speak to election candidates and let them know that there is widespread support for solidarity-based – not fear-based – responses to how we welcome and host people as they await decisions on their applications for protection. Many within our community are deeply involved in work to challenge and unpack the ongoing, destructive legacies of colonialism, which include structural racism, discrimination and stereotyping of migrants. We believe there is an increasingly important role for this collective work to play in challenging how language and discourse around migration is promoting and normalising ideas around who is “deserving” and “entitled” – and who is not.
As canvassing begins for the elections, we need to actively consider how candidates are presenting responses and proposals around the future of our international protection system. This includes drawing attention to framings that tap into or reinforce divisive portrayals of people and portray them as being different or other, rather than part of our interdependent world.
To find out more about how to support MASI’s work, please visit https://www.masi.ie/ . The Hope and Courage Collective (https://hopeandcourage.ie) also regularly produces research and other useful resources; and within Comhlámh’s community, we have several active member groups working on Migration Justice (Ireland Says Welcome) and Palestine (Justice 4 Palestine group). New members are always welcome. At this crucial time, we encourage people to consider how we can collectively respond to people seeking international protection in ways that are rooted in dignity, compassion, solidarity and acknowledgement of our common humanity.