Hunger strikers are seeking refuge from war, poverty and torture

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell should immediately grant the right to stay in Ireland to the 33 Afghan asylum seekers.

They came to Ireland in a desperate bid to escape from war, poverty and torture in Afghanistan.

Violence has risen sharply there in recent months with attacks by US forces, roadside bombings and suicide attacks.

A recent Amnesty International report stated that “since 2001, thousands of Afghans have been arbitrarily detained, held incommunicado and subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by US forces and by armed groups acting under US control. The organisation is also concerned that despite the Afghan government’s efforts to re-establish the rule of law and restore peace and stability, it is allowing violations to continue without serious protest”.

Mr McDowell should explain why these asylum seekers’ applications have been turned down if Afghanistan remains such an unsafe and war-torn country?

Also the minister cannot use the argument that we are being ‘flooded’ by asylum seekers as the number of them coming to Ireland has dropped considerably in recent years.

We are constantly being told how Ireland needs more workers.

Why not give these asylum seekers the opportunity to work and live in Ireland?

What is needed now is the force of public opinion to get the Government to move quickly and grant them the right to stay.

Rory Hearne

People Before Profit Alliance

16 Drumcondra Park

Dublin 3