People Before Profit are supporting the protest called by Ireland For All on June 20th, World Refugee Day. Please join us to celebrate and honour the struggle of refugees in Ireland and globally.
World Refugee Day is an international day organised every year on 20 June by the United Nations. It is designed to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world. The day was first established on 20 June 2001, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
The event, led by Ireland For All and the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) will recognise the strength of the refugees who have fled the conflict and persecution of their country in hope of finding sanctuary and living a better life.
World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. For more than a decade, we have seen a horrific response to refugees at sea and European borders. Tens of thousands have died trying to reach European shores. Inhumane and racist border policies, push backs in the Mediterranean and the Aegean have cost many lives. Those who made it to Europe faced unwelcoming policies by the European governments. Far right forces have used anti-refugee and asylum seeker hate to mobilise and create an atmosphere of hate. EU funded refugee camps in third party countries have been places of horror for women, children, and men.
In Ireland, the failed housing policies and increasing homelessness have given the far right the excuse to target refugees and asylum seekers. The Direct Provision System continues to hurt lives.
The housing crisis is not caused by refugees and will not be solved by targeting them. Those who spread misinformation and hate have no place in our society. Let us show our shared aim that people in Ireland can live free from harassment, intimidation, and discrimination.
World Refugee Day is an important moment to recognise and celebrate the dignity, resilience and struggle of refugees and asylum seekers. It is also a day to remind the governments of their obligations and failed policies.
It is a day of unity and celebrating our diversity. Come along. Join us with your banners, placards and help this day a big one.
We are stronger together.
