|
HOPE FOR CHANGE AT LAST ?
Direct provision has been consistently challenged by activists, politicians and human rights lawyers by advocacy and in the courts over the past few years with numerous articles on the topic, including some of those below, linked to on this website. The system has been widely condemned. Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly, former Supreme Court Judge Catherine McGuinness, refugee support groups and childcare expert Geoffrey Shannon amongst others have claimed that Ireland is in breach of constitutional and European human rights.
Yet every challenge and criticism has, up to now, washed over or been soaked up by government authorities without any change. Is there finally light at the end of the tunnel? This article by Liz O’Donnell in the Irish Independent (26 July 2014) points to a change of attitude with the appointment of the new Labour Minister of State Aodhan O Riordain at the Department of Justice. Is there hope at last that the Direct Provision system will be reformed? Read more |
|
|
Call to end the Direct Provision System.
A conference on the issues facing asylum seekers has heard children as young as 11 have threatened suicide as a result of their living conditions. Read more |
|
 “The Globalisation of Indifference”..
On the Island of Lampedusa last October and following the drowning of many migrants Pope Francis said: “Who is responsible for the blood of these brothers and sisters? No one! We all respond this way: not me, it has nothing to do with me, there are others, certainly not me. But God asks each one of us: ‘Where is the blood of your brother that cries out to me?’ Today no one in the world feels responsible for this; we have lost the sense of fraternal responsibility. In this world of globalisation we have fallen into a globalisation of indifference. We are accustomed to the suffering of others, it doesn’t concern us, it’s none of our business.”
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Are we a Racist Nation?
There are more people living in “Direct Provision Centres” in this country than in prison! At the start of 2014, the total was 4,360 people. This compares to a prison population of 4,053 in Ireland in February 2014.
In a recent Irish Times article by Dr. Liam Thornton, Law Lecturer in UCD Sutherland School of Law, he stated: 'That such a system (of direct provision) has been allowed develop over time may be unfortunate, that there is no urgency in reform to direct provision is unforgivable.’ There have been many protests about this direct provision system, but, according to Dr Thornton, there has been little public engagement on the issue.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
Changes at Cois Tine
The Cois Tine office in Popes Quay closed on the 28 of February. From now on Cois Tine will be based in the SMA Justice Office, Society of African Missions, Wilton, Cork. For any inquiries please telephone 021 4933475. The old Cois Tine number is now discontinued.
Cois Tine will continue to exist although in a reduced form – the following elements will continue.
- A small group of volunteers will continue to visit Accommodation Centres.
- Participation in inter-agency groups and meetings concerning Asylum Seekers/Immigrants.
- This web site will be maintained as a source of information, to advocate on behalf of asylum seekers and to provide resources for Church and community Groups who wish to include and welcome immigrants into their communities.
- Cois Tine will continue to work with NASC the Irish Immigrant Support Centre.
- Work to promote the acceptance and inclusion of immigrants in the Church and local community will also continue – e.g. via the Cois Tine website and through delivery of presentations to Parish and Community groups.
- Cois Tine’s involvement in promoting Christian Muslim Dialogue and understanding will also continue – via website, through participation in events and through delivery of presentations and training.
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 2 of 4 |
