World Refugee Day 2019
The theme of Refugee Week 2019 is ‘You, me and those who came before’
June 20th 2019
Embedded Files
By scrolling down you are being invited to learn a little more of what supporting World Refugee Day means. By learning, watching, reading, understanding you are reaching out in empathy to families separated. We are reminded of the hospitality that is synonymous with Nano's work at home and abroad. We are reminded of her courage in testing and indeed working against the regime of the Penal Times as she advocated for those most in need in her time.
By scrolling down you are being invited to learn a little more of what supporting World Refugee Day means. By learning, watching, reading, understanding you are reaching out in empathy to families separated. We are reminded of the hospitality that is synonymous with Nano's work at home and abroad. We are reminded of her courage in testing and indeed working against the regime of the Penal Times as she advocated for those most in need in her time.
Those who quickly leave their homes in fear, taking only what they can carry with no idea of where to next are utterly putting their survival into the hands those whom they meet when they eventually stop running. They are depending on our welcome.
Those who quickly leave their homes in fear, taking only what they can carry with no idea of where to next are utterly putting their survival into the hands those whom they meet when they eventually stop running. They are depending on our welcome.
I have been posting all week for Refugee Week on our Facebook Page here. Have a look and while you're there like and follow us.
I have been posting all week for Refugee Week on our Facebook Page here. Have a look and while you're there like and follow us.
17/06/2019
17/06/2019
A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Sarah Teather, UK Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service can be heard here
A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Sarah Teather, UK Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service can be heard here
World Refugee Day June 20th 2019
World Refugee Day June 20th 2019
This article (below) was published in the Sunday Times last Sunday week and if ever such an event gives us pause for thought when we as Irish people consider the plight of all who left Ireland during famine times then we must extend the hand of sincere welcome and hospitality to those who make it as far as our shores having fled hunger, conflict or persecution.
This article (below) was published in the Sunday Times last Sunday week and if ever such an event gives us pause for thought when we as Irish people consider the plight of all who left Ireland during famine times then we must extend the hand of sincere welcome and hospitality to those who make it as far as our shores having fled hunger, conflict or persecution.
President and Sabina host a Garden Party to acknowledge the work of those supporting Asylum Seekers and Refugees
President and Sabina host a Garden Party to acknowledge the work of those supporting Asylum Seekers and Refugees
yesterday June 19th 2019
This is an extract from his speech yesterday......
...................................Some of you here today came to Ireland seeking refuge from war, natural disasters or persecution, turning to your fellow global citizens for protection and shelter, with the hope for a better future and increased opportunities for yourselves and your families. Some of you here today have had to grapple with a foreign language, a different climate, and a new set of social customs.
...................................Some of you here today came to Ireland seeking refuge from war, natural disasters or persecution, turning to your fellow global citizens for protection and shelter, with the hope for a better future and increased opportunities for yourselves and your families. Some of you here today have had to grapple with a foreign language, a different climate, and a new set of social customs.
Others among you may have experienced prejudice and stereotyping born of ignorance and fear. As President of Ireland, this deeply saddens me, and as President of Ireland I offer you an apology for it.
Others among you may have experienced prejudice and stereotyping born of ignorance and fear. As President of Ireland, this deeply saddens me, and as President of Ireland I offer you an apology for it.
Many of you may have made enormous sacrifices, leaving family behind, taking risks to leave your homeland in order to create new and better lives that will undoubtedly result in your making valuable contributions to your new communities, wherever they may be.
Many of you may have made enormous sacrifices, leaving family behind, taking risks to leave your homeland in order to create new and better lives that will undoubtedly result in your making valuable contributions to your new communities, wherever they may be.
Reflecting on your journey, I cannot help but think that the qualities that you have demonstrated, above all your courage and generosity of spirit, have not always been met by answerable hospitality in this country. In 2016 we, as a nation, reflected on the founding moments of this State, a century after the Easter Rising, and we recalled the great project of our revolutionary forebearers. That project is in-the-making in this country, a republic of equals, one that is inclusive, open, generous and committed, not only to common good of the citizens of the nation, but of all humankind.
Reflecting on your journey, I cannot help but think that the qualities that you have demonstrated, above all your courage and generosity of spirit, have not always been met by answerable hospitality in this country. In 2016 we, as a nation, reflected on the founding moments of this State, a century after the Easter Rising, and we recalled the great project of our revolutionary forebearers. That project is in-the-making in this country, a republic of equals, one that is inclusive, open, generous and committed, not only to common good of the citizens of the nation, but of all humankind.
This challenge – the building of a real republic – is very much a challenge that remains, and I do want to acknowledge, as President of Ireland, that we have too often faltered, and too often continue to falter and fail to reflect on why and what it means to be insufficient in our hospitality, and have often neglected our duty and our obligations to others.
This challenge – the building of a real republic – is very much a challenge that remains, and I do want to acknowledge, as President of Ireland, that we have too often faltered, and too often continue to falter and fail to reflect on why and what it means to be insufficient in our hospitality, and have often neglected our duty and our obligations to others.
There are many of you here today who have helped, in a voluntary capacity, and continue to do so, and I wish to pay particular thanks to you all. ....................... the full speech can be read here
There are many of you here today who have helped, in a voluntary capacity, and continue to do so, and I wish to pay particular thanks to you all. ....................... the full speech can be read here
Sea Rescues Have Been Criminalized' as German Boat Captain Faces 20 Years in Prison For Saving Refugees
Sea Rescues Have Been Criminalized' as German Boat Captain Faces 20 Years in Prison For Saving Refugees
"We have only followed international law, especially the law of the sea, where the highest priority is to save people from distress." Captain Pia Klemp, 35
"We have only followed international law, especially the law of the sea, where the highest priority is to save people from distress." Captain Pia Klemp, 35
More here
The List: the 34,361 men, women and children who perished trying to reach Europe
The List: the 34,361 men, women and children who perished trying to reach Europe
Since 1993, one group has kept a tally of all the migrants and refugees who died trying to reach Europe. To mark World Refugee Day, we look at what it tells us about the defining crisis of our times.
Since 1993, one group has kept a tally of all the migrants and refugees who died trying to reach Europe. To mark World Refugee Day, we look at what it tells us about the defining crisis of our times.
The Full list of those who have perished can be found here and when you visit this list one of the first things that you will notice is that so many are unnamed but the manner and place of their death is recorded. Who will remember them? Today (and everyday) we should remember them in prayer. We must not forget them.
The Full list of those who have perished can be found here and when you visit this list one of the first things that you will notice is that so many are unnamed but the manner and place of their death is recorded. Who will remember them? Today (and everyday) we should remember them in prayer. We must not forget them.
Today, on World Refugee Day, the Guardian is distributing a list of the 34,361 migrants and refugees known to have died attempting to find a new home within the borders of the European Union. More here
Global forced displacement tops 70 million
Global forced displacement tops 70 million
UN Refugee Chief calls for ‘redoubled’ solidarity as annual Global Trends report shows displacement doubled in 20 years. More here
Yet again, wars, violence and persecution have driven record numbers of people from their homes worldwide, according to the latest annual study released today by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
Yet again, wars, violence and persecution have driven record numbers of people from their homes worldwide, according to the latest annual study released today by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
There is also an article in the Irish Times here
There is also an article in the Irish Times here
More than 70 million people worldwide are fleeing war, persecution and conflict, the highest number ever recorded, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
More than 70 million people worldwide are fleeing war, persecution and conflict, the highest number ever recorded, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
The latest UNHCR Global Trends report warns that the number of people forcibly displaced has doubled over the past 20 years, with numbers significantly increasing from 43.3 million in 2009 to 70.8 million in 2018.
The latest UNHCR Global Trends report warns that the number of people forcibly displaced has doubled over the past 20 years, with numbers significantly increasing from 43.3 million in 2009 to 70.8 million in 2018.
There is a beautiful photo Essay here on the Guardian that offers the most beautiful photographs of those who have sought refuge in the UN and who achieved success.
There is a beautiful photo Essay here on the Guardian that offers the most beautiful photographs of those who have sought refuge in the UN and who achieved success.
Momtaza Mehri, a former Young People’s Laureate for London, was born in London to Somali parents who left their home country in 1984. Introduced to poetry as a child, Mehri believes words are a powerful tool for exploring our place in the world and hopes to inspire the next generation of young people
Momtaza Mehri, a former Young People’s Laureate for London, was born in London to Somali parents who left their home country in 1984. Introduced to poetry as a child, Mehri believes words are a powerful tool for exploring our place in the world and hopes to inspire the next generation of young people
More examples here
Every two seconds a person is forced to flee. Every four seconds a child is forced to flee… There were 31,536,000 seconds in 2018.
Every two seconds a person is forced to flee. Every four seconds a child is forced to flee… There were 31,536,000 seconds in 2018.
New Zealand offer a home to Afghani refugees and can now bask in their achievements and glory. Everybody will admit that migration doesn't just benefit the migrant but also the host country.
New Zealand offer a home to Afghani refugees and can now bask in their achievements and glory. Everybody will admit that migration doesn't just benefit the migrant but also the host country.
One of the asylum seekers the Norwegian cargo ship Tampa rescued in 2001 has won a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to undertake postgraduate studies in the US.
One of the asylum seekers the Norwegian cargo ship Tampa rescued in 2001 has won a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to undertake postgraduate studies in the US.
More here
More here
Return to Calais is a short documentary about refugees, past and present, and the gestures that connect us across history.
Return to Calais is a short documentary about refugees, past and present, and the gestures that connect us across history.
A wonderful story about courage compassion and a celebration of life, that is as important today as it has ever been.
A wonderful story about courage compassion and a celebration of life, that is as important today as it has ever been.
This can be seen here
Seeking Refuge E-Book from Global Sisters Report
Seeking Refuge E-Book from Global Sisters Report
To honor the occasion, Global Sisters Report offers a free e-book containing in-depth reporting on the difficult journey of refugees and how Catholic sisters are helping along every stage. Download the E-Book Here
To honor the occasion, Global Sisters Report offers a free e-book containing in-depth reporting on the difficult journey of refugees and how Catholic sisters are helping along every stage. Download the E-Book Here
Contents of the E-Book
Contents of the E-Book
I’m a refugee
I’m a refugee
Spit from the sea
Spit from the sea
I didn’t have any choice or any plan B
I didn’t have any choice or any plan B
And I’m more than what you can see,
And I’m more than what you can see,
Fighting for the right to be free
Fighting for the right to be free
Say my name louder
Say my name louder
Speak my story louder
Speak my story louder
I’m not only a number
I’m not only a number
I’m the strongest climber
I’m the strongest climber
On the Survival mountain.
On the Survival mountain.
My native land has been torn apart
My native land has been torn apart
Over the centuries
Over the centuries
I hardly store
I hardly store
My happy memories
My happy memories
Handed down by my ancestries.
Handed down by my ancestries.
They call me stranger
They call me stranger
And can not understand my anger
And can not understand my anger
When I talk about war and pain
When I talk about war and pain
When I stand up for every campaign
When I stand up for every campaign
Against violence and hate
Against violence and hate
Forever and again
Forever and again
They want to close the borders
They want to close the borders
To avoid any disorders
To avoid any disorders
But who cares about my heart disorders?
But who cares about my heart disorders?
And who’s gonna stop the evil founders?
And who’s gonna stop the evil founders?
Our voices are the truth beholders.
Our voices are the truth beholders.
Just listen
Just listen
I’ve seen so many people dying
I’ve seen so many people dying
I’ve heard so many souls crying
I’ve heard so many souls crying
And they all had my mum’s face
And they all had my mum’s face
They all came from her same place:
They all came from her same place:
A country called Misery and Disgrace.
A country called Misery and Disgrace.
Just listen
Just listen
Poem: Fatima Bouhtouch
Poem: Fatima Bouhtouch
Drawing: Denisse Baque
Drawing: Denisse Baque
Mediterranean Refugee Crisis
Mediterranean Refugee Crisis
20 Welcomes from the Children of Swindon where the Presentation Sisters have a convent.
20 Welcomes from the Children of Swindon where the Presentation Sisters have a convent.
Welcome has no borders
Welcome has no borders
And if we can reach out a hand, we better.
And if we can reach out a hand, we better.
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