The Department of Justice’s suggestion that they are considering a Proposal to detain asylum seekers on the basis of nationality is very disturbing according to the Irish Refugee Council. People who come here seeking protection are entitled to a fair hearing. Asylum seekers who have fled danger and are seeking protection do not deserve to be imprisoned while their claim for asylum is being determined.
Last month an elderly woman and a young woman were imprisoned in Mountjoy Jail as part of a pre-deportation round up: 70 year old Nigerian grandmother and 19 year old Nigerian girl Adijat Okusanya. Adijat was eventually deported and Fianna Fail TD Barry Andrews described the deportation as “lacking in humanity”.
Robin Hanan CEO of the Irish Refugee Council said “I am very disturbed at the proposal to detain asylum seekers. The suggestion appears to be that asylum seekers will be chosen for detention solely on the basis of their nationality – an insidious precedent with frightening historical overtones.
Two Nigerian women – one elderly and the other a young student – were imprisoned last month. They hardly pose a threat to the state. I am afraid that if this proposal becomes law that the most vulnerable people will be imprisoned. I believe most Irish people will find this proposal repugnant and contrary to natural justice. This is effectively internment.”
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