GCCN Solidarity Statement
March 2022
GCCN stands in solidarity with all peoples facing war, conflict, apartheid and displacement.
Increased militarism is causing humanitarian crises worldwide. We condemn the violence that has been inflicted on innocent civilians across the globe. In response, it is vital that Ireland plays its part in offering sanctuary. Ireland has a long history of neutrality, and it is essential that we continue to use this as a vehicle for peace.
The Ukrainian people are facing the horrors of war and displacement and Europe is rightly welcoming those fleeing. We want to acknowledge the humanitarian crises outside of Europe. UNHCR and IRC are calling for an emergency response to humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia’s Tigray region, Nigeria, Palestine, Rohingya peoples in Myanmar, Sahel, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Yemen. Global solidarity will be essential as the impacts of climate change continue to worsen for countries in the Global South and more and more people will be forced to flee their homes. Our responses to these crises must be framed by equality, justice, human rights, and the dignity of all people.
We welcome the coordinated response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis and call on the government to extend these measures for all refugees and those seeking asylum.
Community groups in Galway are already organising to connect across cultures and communities and will continue this vital work to welcome all those seeking international protection and to embrace Galway’s diversity. We recognise and welcome the positive contribution new community members bring to Galway. Institutionalisation isolates people from their communities, and we reiterate our call for the system of direct provision for asylum seekers and enforced deportations be ended. A system of supports needs to be established for those transitioning from direct provision to the community. Supports and structures should also be established to ensure that migrants, refugees and those from minority ethnic communities have a real say in the development of responses to realise their rights.
- Download the GCCN Solidarity Statement here.
