Doras wants abolition of direct provision prioritised

By
Alan Jacques
-
John Lannon
Doras Chairman John Lannon

LIMERICK-based human rights and migrant support organisation Doras has issued a call to all parties involved in the new government to ensure that the abolition of direct provision is prioritised.

Doras chief executive John Lannon went on to describe direct provision as “one of our most visible forms of institutional racism”.

“It robs people of their dignity and self-esteem by segregating and infantilising them in institutional settings. In many cases, the centres are in remote locations, the buildings are in poor condition, and the food served on a daily basis is of poor quality.

“The needs of asylum seekers who have experienced trauma and displacement are not met, and people are left for years waiting for a decision on their application for international protection,” Mr Lannon commented.

He also said that limitations on international protection applicants’ access to employment and education serve to make this an “indeterminate amount of time in limbo, where a person’s life is effectively placed on hold”.
Doras is now calling on all parties and independent TDs who will make up the next government to commit to the end of direct provision as soon as possible.
“Recent media coverage and Black Lives Matter protests has demonstrated a surge in public support for improving the way in which the state treats international protection applicants,” the Doras chief executive added.
“Doras believes there is an opportunity for the next government to build on that public support as well as the work of the advisory group headed by Catherine Day, and to move to alternatives that respect the rights and dignity of people seeking protection in Ireland.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has displayed how otherwise lengthy bureaucratic processes can be accelerated in times of crisis. Direct provision has been an ongoing crisis for the thousands of people who have been and currently are stuck in the system, and it needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. The incoming government needs to seize this opportunity to affect positive change early on,” Mr Lannon concluded.
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