Refugees are not to blame
National refugee and migrant rights organisation Doras says recent anti-refugee protests in Cootehill and elsewhere are being caused by misinformation that exploits people’s legitimate concerns. The group is calling on citizens, community groups and politicians to come together to counter what they say is “the scourge of division”.
Responding to statements made at the protest in Cootehill, Doras CEO John Lannon says he understands many people feel let down by the government but says it is unfair to blame refugees and migrants or to fall victim to misinformation.
“There’s no doubt that there have been failures by politicians to communicate and plan properly when it comes to Ireland’s response to accommodating refugees and migrants. This has created a vacuum where other groups have stepped in,” he said.
Mr Lannon pointed to Ireland’s history as country of emigrants in the 19th and 20th century. “The reality is refugees are among the most vulnerable people in the world, people who are often fleeing for their lives and seeking safety, much as Irish people did during the Great Famine.”
Cootehill man Ruairí McKiernan has worked in the area of community development for twenty years. He agrees that more needs to be done to better engage with communities to stop the spread of misinformation and said that, while people may be annoyed with the government, it is unacceptable to pin frustrations on refugees.
“Cootehill is an amazing place where community spirit has always been strong and people are caring and decent. That’s why I’m saddened to see some of what is going on. I’m as frustrated as anyone when it comes to the dire failures of our government. I share the anger about the failures of successive governments in neglecting health, housing and social services. People are tired, frustrated and fed up but it’s disheartening to see... blatant lies, conspiracies, and racist stereotypes being shared openly on social media. There are echoes of how some Irish people were treated years ago when greeted in Britain with signs of ‘No blacks, no dogs, no Irish’.”
He also praised recent marches held to show solidarity with refugees: “It’s great to see the #IrelandforAll movement emerge including the recent rally of 50,000 people led by Christy Moore, Fr Peter McVerry, Bernadette McAliskey and others,” he said.
Ruairí also highlighted the situations where protests have led to violence against already traumatised people and caused serious damage to property.
“At the anti-refugee protests, I know most people are decent and trying to get their voices heard but sadly sometimes these situations can end up with innocent people being targeted, abused and attacked. In numerous cases, there have been arson attacks on accommodation centres. We’re talking about attacks on people who have in many cases already escaped war, extreme violence, oppression, hunger and poverty.”
He called for the government to lead the way in creating a more unified society that brings more unity and cohesion to Irish society.
“The political system needs to change to ensure decent support and services are available to all... It’s important to challenge politicians about all of this and also to invest in community building that tries to offer a helping hand of friendship rather than division."
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