Letters to the Editor: Benefits of presence of migrants in our country

A local resident walks along a street in Bakhmut, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine.  There is no doubt that the EU protection directive implemented for people from Ukraine is a model for all migration polices.

This past weekend marked International Migrants Day (December 18). Ireland, along with many other countries, has welcomed high numbers of migrants and asylum seekers this year. As such, now is a good time to reflect on how we welcome migrants nationally and in the context of our membership of the EU.

The Irish Red Cross wishes to acknowledge the response from the Irish government and the general public this year especially. Ireland’s response has been and needs to be based on a recognised right that every person, regardless of their nationality or migration status, has the right to be treated with the same dignity and respect we ourselves would require. Ensuring this right throughout their journey from their country of origin to their arrival in Ireland and their protection and integration in Irish society is a realistic goal.