We support any action undertaken to help the refugees.
We would however like to raise some concerns about what appears to be a two-tier reception of refugees.
Not long ago, the crisis in Afghanistan sent about 500 Afghani refugees to Ireland, only those who have family members here or those who worked for the Irish institutions were rescued. Many were left behind, and as we can read in the news, these people are attacked by bombings every day. There is a constant attack on women, education, and those who worked as translators, or in any other capacity as freelancers for journalists and other institutions.
As we hear from the Afghan Council in Ireland, many of the Afghan refugees who have arrived have become homeless, some have asked for asylum and are still awaiting a response, they are unable to find work and often unable to finish education or rebuild their lives.
We have hundreds of people fleeing DRC who has seen violence, death, rape, and hunger for many years, yet, these people have to undergo the cruel grilling by the IPO, often re-traumatising them, and they spend years in Direct provision centres.
Many other countries face violent eruptions; Ethiopia, Yemen, Syria, and others, their people deserve the same welcome.
We also want to emphasise that students from Ukrainian universities who come from third countries should be given the right to remain in Ireland to finish their studies here. Currently, they have been given a three-month visa, after which they have to claim asylum or return to their home country.
If claiming asylum, they will not have automatic access to third-level education and will be charged international fees, which are unaffordable for the majority.
These people will find it impossible to return to their countries and finish their education.
We want to ask the government and the European Union to use the lessons learned during this crisis, to make our countries welcoming to every refugee, no matter where they come from.
It has been shown now that an alternative is possible, let us work together to improve services for those fleeing wars and persecution.
The Board of Management and Roos Demol, The CEO.