A LIMERICK organisation supporting migrants and refugees has appealed to people locally not to get involved in protests targeting those already traumatised by having to flee for their lives in their home country.
Citing the kindness and concern of Limerick citizens who have been welcoming so far to those fleeing war and persecution, the CEO of migrant and refugee support organisation Doras, John Lannon, said that “protesting outside Accommodation Centres is not what Limerick is about”.
Commenting in the wake of the violence at a protest in Coolock in Dublin, Mr Lannon told the Limerick Post that “Limerick has a long, proud record of welcoming asylum seekers and other migrants”.
“As more accommodation centres open in the city, it is essential that this remains the case. Protesting at the arrival of people escaping from war and persecution is not what Limerick is about”.
Mr Lannon said that the recent disturbing incidents in Coolock and elsewhere “have shown how the issue of immigration is being used to incite acts of violence”.
“Misinformation is being spread about people seeking international protection, about the people working to support them, and about politicians.
“There’s a dangerous far right element behind this, organising people who feel excluded and left behind when it comes to education, employment, housing, and other opportunities”.
Mr Lannon accepted that while he can “see the anger”, “the problem is that it’s directed at innocent people, and that’s not going to lead to constructive outcomes for anyone”.
“The people orchestrating protests outside planned accommodation centres and spreading misinformation about asylum seekers are doing everyone a huge disservice,” the Doras CEO said.
“They’re putting the wellbeing and the lives of people who came here seeking protection at risk. But they’re also creating divisions and bringing violence and fear into communities.”
As an organisation which deals with asylum seekers and migrants, Mr Lannon said that Doras is aware that those coming to Ireland to seek shelter are becoming increasingly worried about the risks to their safety.
“Protests are causing increased levels of distress and worry amongst migrant communities in general. And seeing the content that’s getting posted on social media, including some very racist material and threats of violence, is even more troubling for people from a refugee or migrant background.
“We’re hearing more and more of the fear and worry from the migrant communities we support. As one person put it, individuals are feeling unwelcome and targeted now. And this means it will become even more difficult for them to participate in social, economic, and cultural life, leading to their further marginalisation.”
Mr Lannon pointed to how, up to now, people from every race and culture have been welcomed and have become part of local communities in employment, education, community, and sporting life.
“It doesn’t have to be like this. When it’s given a chance, integration does works. We know this from experiences all around the country, but particularly in Limerick.
“People from different backgrounds and cultures live together in our communities, join clubs together, and work together regardless of their backgrounds or where they came from.
“Asylum seekers have been made welcome in the city for over two decades, and have contributed hugely to life in Limerick”.
As plans are being developed to open additional accommodation centres, the CEO said, “there is no reason for this to change”.
“Asylum seekers are ordinary people who are no longer safe in their own countries, who might have been targeted because of who they are, what they do, or what they believe in. They deserve to be treated with humanity, and to be able to feel safe”.
And he said that it is vital that supports and resources are made available for everyone to help integration work in community.
“When advocating for better services, including housing for the homeless, we need to work together to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Saying some people are not welcome into a community is not going to improve the lot of those already struggling to get by. It’s just distracts and diverts people from the real issues, from the injustices that affect everyone.
“Our advice to people is to keep everyone safe. Stay away from planned protests that target asylum seekers”.
