“Perfect storm” threatening international protection seekers and local communities

EAPN Ireland has called for solidarity and urgent political action to avert “perfect storm” threatening international protection seekers and local communities. The full media statement is available here.

The groundswell of solidarity shown by local communities across Ireland to refugees and asylum seekers must now be matched by leadership from the Government. A combination of urgent political action and community support is needed to address the accommodation crisis in the international protection system and to tackle toxic anti-refugee rhetoric and acts.

“There is a very real risk that many people seeking international protection could become homeless and destitute. At the same time, far-right agitators are driving anti-refugee demonstrations and sentiments in local communities. This is a perfect storm threatening the rights, dignity and lives of refugees and asylum seekers, but also the social cohesion, safety and sustainability of communities. Real political leadership is needed to prevent this dire situation from deteriorating even further,” said Paul Ginnell, Director of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland.