Today on #HumanRightsDay – we call on world leaders and communities everywhere to commit and work for peace and justice.

We pray & rally for peace in the Middle East, in Sudan, in Congo, in Myanmar, Ukraine and in Tigray, Ethiopia and in all places suffering from war, violence and the abuse of human rights and liberties.

We call on our government to do the right thing and pass the Occupied Territories Bill which would reflect the people’s call to denounce oppression, stand against war crimes & uphold international law and human rights.

Equally, we call on our government to uphold the right to refuge which means standing in the defense of vulnerable people seeking the right to asylum fleeing warzones and oppression.

The EU Migration pact goes against the principles of human rights, freedom and democratic process that the European Union claims to stand for. As we speak, our government will review these new asylum laws which erode the rights that all people have to be safe and protected.

These new laws would see:

• People seeking protection detained at Irish borders, including children and victims of sexual exploitation. This is not the Ireland we want.
• The new law could deny access to legal representation to asylum seekers. That means someone who doesn’t speak English, has no understanding of the Irish system, and has just fled war could go through the asylum process without speaking to a solicitor until it is too late.

No matter where you come from, everyone deserves legal support and a fair chance at justice.

• The government is proposing a 12-week timeframe for processing asylum applications. Fast-track procedures could rush vulnerable people, like children or victims of torture or sexual trafficking, through the system. These applicants often need more time to gather evidence, find appropriate supports and disclose their trauma.
• The new law would remove the right to an in-person appeal, rushing life-changing decisions without adequate legal advice or time to prepare.

No time. No real appeal. No justice.

Around 30% of all appealed decisions in Ireland[1] are overturned, meaning the vast majority are seeking asylum and acting in accordance with international law – removing people’s right to be heard in person could mean hundreds being sent back into harm’s way.

The Ireland and Europe we want respects the fundamental rights of everyone, regardless of race, creed or orientation.

The EU Migration Pact being proposed goes against the very core of what it means to be Irish: solidarity, compassion and justice for those scapegoated by the rich and powerful.

At IJI we stand in solidarity with all oppressed people & call on leaders to uphold human rights and champion fair asylum processes which strengthen liberty and protection.

Let your local TD know how you feel & demand that the Government keeps crucial safeguards for families and individuals in the new International Protection legislation and does not remove basic human rights.

Join us in being Men & Women for Others

UPLIFT: Campaign email

[1] https://www.protectionappeals.ie/about-the-tribunal/statistics/