Places of Sanctuary Ireland (PoSI) is deeply concerned about the rise in racist behaviour in Irish society, which has escalated significantly in recent months, including targeted violent assaults on individuals and groups as they go about their daily lives.
While it is often reported that such incidents are perpetrated by a small minority of individuals and groups, the extent to which these violent acts impact large numbers of people, especially members of migrant and refugee communities who have made Ireland their home, cannot be underestimated. In the aftermath of violent racist assaults, many people are now scared to appear in public for fear of being targeted.
PoSI is a network of communities and organisations working together to offer solidarity and support for those who have been forced to leave their countries of origin and restart their lives in a new environment. We recognise that integration can only happen in a deep and meaningful way if both the newcomer and host communities have opportunities to encounter and learn from each other, and that together we can work towards the creation of safer communities that benefit all members of society. This is already happening in schools and universities, libraries and faith institutions that have pledged to uphold sanctuary principles, and are recognised as such for their efforts to create peaceful and inclusive communities.
We welcome President Catherine Connolly’s vision, articulated in her inauguration speech, of a Republic where ‘everyone is valued and diversity is cherished’. In the spirit of this message, we appeal to Irish citizens to communicate messages of solidarity and social justice, recognising that diversity and inclusion of migrants and refugees in all aspects of our lives leads to an enriched community where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.