JRS calls on government to offer refuge to Syrians

More than 1million children have been forced to flee Syria

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) has called on the Government to offer refuge to Syrians, especially children, fleeing from persecution, conflict and violence.

Marking World Refugee Day (June 20) the JRS said the response by Ireland and Europe to a UNHCR appeal to resettle 30,000 of the most at risk refugees has been disappointing, with to date, only 12,000 places offered by EU Member States.

“Ireland must show leadership by doubling its existing commitment and offering refuge, at a minimum, to 300 Syrian refugees in 2014,” said Eugene Quinn, JRS National Director.

Crisis

As a result of the worst refugee crisis in nearly 20 years, more than 1million children have been forced to flee Syria, where reports of atrocities against children have included recruitment for combat, detention with adults and the use of children as human shields.

Mr Quinn went on to say that “War, global inequality and the intensity of natural disasters have forced millions to flee their homes over the past decade,” and pointed out that 40% of asylum seekers in Ireland in the Direct Provision system have been waiting five years or more for a final decision on their status, creating a very negative impact on family life.

“We as Irish society have a duty of care to these children living within our communities and by extension Ireland, as a nation of the world, has a duty to the children of Syria,” Mr Quinn said.

“Forced migration will continue to deny children their right to a childhood unless action is taken to provide them with shelter, hope and a home during their time of need.”