Do not deport these little girls

WE write as a concerned mother and daughter in relation to the Government’s decision in the Izevbekhai case (November 19/December 11).

Pamela Izevbekhai’s fears for her two daughters, Naomi and Jemima, are well founded, having already lost one daughter to the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).

Conservative figures put the prevalence of FGM at 19%, but the actual rate could be anywhere between 60% and 90%, depending on regional demographics of the various ethnic groups.

Even though the Nigerian government has condemned this practice, it is still prevalent. Therefore, FGM remains a very real danger to the lives of both Naomi and Jemima.

Until the practice of this barbaric act is eradicated completely, these girl face imminent danger should they be returned to Nigeria.

The Nigerian embassy representatives who have claimed the Izevbekhai children face no risk of being mutilated if they are returned cannot guarantee their safety. The disparity between what the Government denounces in theory and what occurs in practice is too great, and puts the lives, dignity and innocence of these children in jeopardy. We do not deem it to be in Ireland’s interests to condemn Naomi and Jemima to a horrible fate. FGM is not only a problem for those subjected to this abhorrent custom, but one for the entire human race.

We are appalled at the xenophobic and heartless manner in which some members of the public have called for the family’s deportation at the risk of the theoretical floodgates opening to others fleeing such persecution. Sacrificing these young children to show the world that Ireland is not a “soft touch” is not the answer.

The Government should take the first step in protecting those fleeing such persecution and, having ratified the six core UN human rights treaties, should demonstrate its commitment to upholding the principles therein.

On this basis, we urge the Government to show compassion to these two innocent children and their mother by not awaiting the European Court of Human rights verdict in the case and reversing the decision to deport them.

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children” — Nelson Mandela.

Eileen and Carol Dwyer

Palmerstown

Dublin 20