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Day Five: Dublin Hostel Hunger Strike dublin |
racism & migration related issues |
feature
 Monday April 18, 2005 12:47 by redjade
 Nigerians 'Fast Tracked' - McDowell Policy of Deporting Fathers of Irish Citizen Children
Written 17 April 2005 On 13 April about 70 asylum seekers in a hostel on Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin went on hunger strike to protest their 'Fast Track' treatment by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). On 17 April two of the men collapsed and were sent to hospital. All are Nigerian. Most are men. There are also 14 women, 6 of whom are pregnant. Some are in late pregnancy. The pregnant women are not currently on hunger strike.
Seeking Refuge from a 'Safe Country':
This, in spite of the fact that the US State Department February 28, 2005 report says: 'The Nigerian government's 'human rights record remained poor, and the Government continued to commit serious abuse.' and that 'Security forces regularly beat protesters, criminal suspects, detainees, and convicted prisoners.' One hunger striker, Idowu, said: 'The people of Ireland and the Government of Ireland should disregard the propaganda of our home country, Nigeria. My country is definitely not a safe place. How could you call a country where the chief law maker, the Attorney General, was murdered - how could you call such a country a safe place?' One young single man asked a priest at St.Mary's Pro-Cathedral yesterday morning to reserve a grave for him. He says he knows his life is worthless if he is sent back.
Fathers Seeking Wives and Children:
Ironically, it does not. McDowell's 14 January 2005 notice only applies to parents of Irish citizen children currently residing in Ireland - thus, a policy of preventing Irish children from being reunited with their fathers is in place. The hunger strikers say that most of the fathers and all of the single people have other political or religious reasons for leaving - one, for example, is a trade union organiser for two states within Nigeria who left the country under threat. 'If they are 'Fast-Tracked' back', says Rosanna Flynn of the group Residents Against Racism, 'how can these serious issues be investigated by the Irish Government?'
Hunger Strike Demands & Two Sent to Hospital:
The Department of Justice told the Irish Times that signing was required just once a day. But GNIB officials demanded signatures twice a day. The Department of Justice also said that residents of the Lower Gardiner St Hostel should take the mater up with the GNIB. The hunger strikers have tried to do this since the first signing-on and have been met with a refusal of any discussion on the issue. This is has created confusion and distrust of the GNIB at the hostel. Peter, one leader within the group said, 'And since we are not getting a response from them [...] and they keep saying is that they do not have an answer - they are only working based on instructions. So we think we have been ignored. All that we want is somebody to come forward and explain to us and talk to us about everything that is going on. The GNIB has to understand that we need to be spoken to.' On Sunday morning two of the hunger strikers were sent to the Mater Hospital. One of the two, Paul, had collapsed during Mass at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral, is still there and suffers from hypertension and is on medication. Another, Femi, was discharged and it is unknown if the two have the stamina and health to continue with the others.
The Hunger Strike Will Continue:
The hunger strike continues. Peter from the group says, 'The hunger strike is going to continue - someone from the Irish government should talk to us, as the GNIB will give us no information.' Another spokesperson said, 'Regardless of our different reasons for coming to Ireland, we are united in our determination to stay on hunger strike until our requests are respected. We will see this through and stick together.' |
McDowell's Policy of Deporting Fathers of Irish Citizen Children: Is It Constitutional?
Irish Constitution Article 41.1
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Comments (26 of 26)
Jump To Comment: 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1Any updates?
Are they dead yet?
"PHOTO:Hunger Striker with the local Northside kids"
One of them is feeling his little jammy dodgers,and the other lad giving the finger..interesting.
Barra,
If you read the article you will have learned that FGM was not the core issue with this hunger strike - many of the men were fathers of irish born children and since this protest many have been allowed to stay in Ireland because of this protest.
Hello,
I don't feel sorry for people who I don't know anything about just because they put on a sad face and say they're being treated unfairly, because I could be feeling sorry for somebody I would detest if I actually knew them.
So can you tell me something about these Nigerian individuals characters please!
If I knew something about these unique characters and what they believe in and how they feel about humanitarian issues back in their own countries like FGM, then I might be able to feel sorry for them and support their hunger strike......
Otherwise I might be excused for not giving a damn because I detest people who torture their own children with FGM (female genital mutilation) which is rife in Nigeria (UN estimates 60% which is a huge number of girls every day every month every year).
Then there was the recent male cutting here which resulted in a typical excuse of respecting their Nigerian traditions to avoid taking responsibility, which gave full amnesty to the murderer of that child and resulted in Nigerians asking for it to be offered in hospitals here - will they dare ask for FGM to be offered in Irish hospitals someday too.......
So, understand me now as an Irish Citizen wondering if I should care about these Nigerian individuals based on what I know about so many Nigerians..... can you tell me these Nigerians are different, are the peace loving, humanitarian types of Nigerians???
Ok so just let me know categorically - do each and every one of these hunger striking Nigerians denounce and oppose FGM? that would go some way to letting me know they're ok types.
Barra
Originally Posted by aertel page 105
Nigerian cleared over circumcision death
07 October 2005 204
A Nigerian man accused of reckless endangerment in relation to a home circumcision he carried out in Waterford two years ago has been found not guilty.
Osagie Igbinedion was found not guilty this afternoon by a jury of 10 men and two women at Waterford Circuit Court.
31-year-old Mr Igbinedion, who lives in Kilkenny, left the court this afternoon in the company of his wife Kathleen, who a few minutes earlier had burst into tears as the verdict was delivered.
It had taken the jury one and a half hours to reach their verdict in this case, the first of its kind in Ireland.
The court had been told 29-day-old Collis Osaighe had died from haemorrhage and shock due to bleeding. He had been circumcised a number of hours previously by Mr Igbinedion.
In directing the jury, Judge Kevin Haugh said that they could not bring what he called their white western values to bear when they were deciding this case.
Afterwards, Mr Igbinedion said he would like to continue carrying out circumcisions but will only do so if allowed to by the Government. He said most Nigerians would like to see the procedure being available and done in hospitals.
PLUS article from AFROL news agency re FGM in Nigeria:
afrol News, 10 February - The Nigerian government has decided to observe the International Day for Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The fight against the harmful practice is to be marked on 6 February each year, the Nigerian government announced yesterday. Around 50 percent of Nigeria's women are victim to the practice of FGM.
As from next year, 6 February is to be "observed as Nigeria's Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Elimination Day," the Nigerian federal government announced yesterday. The date earlier had been declared by the World Health Assembly and approved by the Federal Executive Council.
Female Genital Mutilation - sometimes misleadingly called Female Circumcision - is one of the traditional practices that are deeply entrenched in many cultures and traditions worldwide. This practice has over the years received global attention and condemnation because of its many serious physical and mental consequences, which have social, economic and political implications.
Nigeria is one of the 27 countries in Africa where FGM is still practiced. In Nigeria, the harmful practice has a prevalence rate of between 40 and 50 percent, according to earlier Nigerian estimates. UN estimates however puts the FGM rate at approximately 60 percent among the nation's female population, with local rates reaching 90 percent.
bloody hell bloody torture
"If you read the US State Department's report on Nigeria, you might gain an idea of why Nigerians come to the EU and to Ireland...." OK, Nigeria is a dump. Point taken. So is most, or all, of Africa. And why Ireland? A truly unbelievable 50% of Nigerians who claim asylum in the EU (before the accession of the new countries, though I doubt this has changed) do so in Ireland. This means, and this isn't twisting numbers around, that Ireland takes in about 50 times more Nigerians per head than any other country in the EU. Don't believe me, look up the UNHCR website.
Of course, these figures are never revealed by the likes of Indymedia and other ultra-lefties. They can tell lies as well as any politician, like Peter O'Mahony of the IRC on RTE radio: "Ireland still takes in a tiny number of asylum seekers" (even though we have taken in more than nearly all other EU states in the last 8 years).
This has left me scratching my head - why Ireland? Why pick the one country in Europe that can't be reached directly from Africa? The Irish people, who pay over EUR 1 million per day on asylum seekers, have an absolute right to have these questions answered. But no one dares ask, because you're damned racist scum if you do.
I see the constitution is at the front of this arguement. According to the constitution the family, thats kids, mammy and daddy, are above law. thats ok then, dad get the stick, its mammy beating time again. Oh and for all you single mothers, well no daddy no family, thats you out. Single dad? You still dont have any rights unless you walked down the aisle.
well, I guess its true, we are better off now that the family is untouchable.
If you want to argue a point stick with the facts that back you up unless you actually believe Ireland is better off without any family law, barring orders, etc and dont forget the good old days when a man couldnt rape his own wife.
The constitution is a fine document and had great intentions, many of which are still fine intentions but try to remember that it was written by mere mortals with no special powers to see the future.
'Why don't they do what the Moldovans, Ukrainians, Chinese, Indians etc etc do, and get a damn work visa?'
If you read the US State Department's report on Nigeria, you might gain an idea of why Nigerians come to the EU and to Ireland....
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41620.htm
'and a plethora of Chinese'
The Irish and Chinese govts have a deal that allows Chinese to come here and work and study. The Chinese come here at the invitation of the Irish Government.
'They bring the 'sponger' perception upon themselves'
The Irish govt does not allow asylum seekers to work and then McD turns around and slurs them for political profit. Its a cynical act and he knows what he's doing - sad thing is that it works and makes him seem the hero.
'who claim asylum on spurious grounds'
Every asylum seeker is different and came here for unique reasons - the govt is required to look into these reasons on a case by case basis. McD would like to throw them all just based on their national origin.
except as Doctors and in other professional roles.
We'll take the well educated from these 3rd world countries for our own benefit but as for the poor huddled masses - Just watch mcDowell piss on them - get it over with and dump them back wherever into a life of desperation
The majority of the ones that are here are refused the right to work while applying for asylum. This as the comment above clearly demonstrates fuels and gives succour to racists and racist attitudes.
Thus no Black people behind the counters in dublin shops.
I always wondered why Nigerians and Romanians apply for asylum, given that they have such poor track records at actually being granted asylum. Why don't they do what the Moldovans, Ukrainians, Chinese, Indians etc etc do, and get a damn work visa?
There is a shocking lack of black workers visible in Dublin, and a plethora of Chinese, East Europeans and Indians manning the counter in every shop in the city. They bring the 'sponger' perception upon themselves, and it would seem it's justified. No one (except Indymedia and the rest of the ultra-left) wants idle, overfed people in this country who claim asylum on spurious grounds, when other people from similar levels of poverty come here just to work.
I am amazed that anyone would use the utterings of the US State Dept in support of their cause for Nigerian refugees being allowed to reside in Ireland or anywhere else.
This is after all a limb of the country currently butchering Iraqi`s for their oil.
The US tends to accuse its enemies of abusing their peoples while turning a blind eye to horrendous abuses enacted by their buddy countries. In most cases they actively support such abuse by providing money, weapons. " military advisers " and the assistance of the CIA.
If they are so concerned about abuses in Nigeria why don`t they do something about it.
Perhaps they could impose sanctions and starve millions of those they claim to be concerned about.
??? Does Nigeria have enough oil to warrant American Help.
Talk about the kettle calling the pot black.
Anyone know how many Nigerian refugees have been granted residence in the US.
Why does it have to go down this road, these poor people are willing to starve themselves to death to stay in our country. What can I do to help?
I'm trying to record it now - will try to upload later
Rosanna Flynn of Residents Against Racism will be speaking on the Talktime programme on Inishowen Community Radio this afternoon about 4.05.
Sorry about the short notice.
Live streaming of Inishowen Communtiy Radio at www.icrfm.ie
When I wrote this article I wanted to keep to the number that seemed to be most true - I was not allowed into the hostel and it was unclear if one hostel or two hostels are on hunger strike - and who are striking within them.
It has been a very difficult situation to report on and continues to be.
This is a better number:
148 from both Hostels are now on Hunger Strike.
More features and stories and updates to come.
Gets even funnier...
http://hrw.org/doc?t=africa&c=nigeri
Id love to go over for the laugh but Uncle Sam told me...
U.S. Department Of State Updates Travel Advisory, Warns U.S. Citizens On Dangers Of Travel To Nigeria
The Department of State has issued an updated travel advisory, warning U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Nigeria. The advisory issued on December 29, 2003 warns U.S. citizens of conditions in Nigeria that pose considerable risks to travelers, including violent crime such as kidnapping for ransom of persons associated with the petroleum sector in the Niger Delta area. It also warns of occasional acts of isolated communal violence and religious tension that could erupt quickly and without warning.........
There sure is so much to be happy about in NIgeria....
http://hrw.org/english/docs/1999/02/23/nigeri804.htm
Radical Perth activist group the Power From Within [PFW] and friends recently performed acts of street theatre in Perth City to raise citizen awareness and demonstrate the mistreatment of refugees by the Australian Government.
http://perth.indymedia.org/index.php?action=newswire&parentview=9919
more at
http://perth.indymedia.org/index.php?action=default
- - -
The deportation machine:
- unmonitored and unimpeded
by Liz Fekete
We live in an age in which the rich industrialised world pronounces on human rights abuses abroad while failing to live up to its own standards at home, particularly in relation to its obligations under international law. But whereas the erosion of the international rule of law that arose from the War on Terror is recorded by a whole host of individuals, journalists and alternative tribunals, the degree of illegality that flows from the (undeclared) War on Refugees is less keenly observed. The War on Terror has undermined the 1949 Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War - the War on Refugees has undermined the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Both wars have eroded international conventions outlawing torture, cruel and degrading treatment or other punishment.
Tá an ceart ag Duine. Tá fadhbanna dáiríre i Nigeria, but for the specific people in question, this does not mean that they are in need of international protection.
If these people dont qualify for refugee status why arent they given work permits and allowed to stay and work?
So Dorian. Have you talked to any of these people? None, so how can you make a judgement. As for beatings happening here, what are you doing to prevent them since you are convinced that they are a huge problem, are you organising campaigns to prevent them, perhaps you could post a link to your activities campaigning in this regard.
Perhaps you should take a look at the US State departments website and their report on Nigeria and the murders and violations of human rights that take place their. Your problem is that you haven't a notion what you are talking about. A little more education would do you a lot of good. Until then keep quiet, you are only embarassing yourself.
'Security forces regularly beat protesters, criminal suspects, detainees, and convicted prisoners.'
This happens here!
Its hardly state- persecution.
This people are economic migrants, no more, no less. Refugee Laws were designed to cope with civilians in Europe in World War 2, not for Nigerians chancing their arm.
So are we having an open-door policy then? How come the Left doesn't debate the logic of this?
Do we want secular, progessive socities ethos to be supplanted by reactionary idealogies?
Nigeria's more complicated than you think...
Ní foláir scéal gach duine de na daoine seo a chur suas cionn is go bhfeicimid uile gur theith siad ó ghéarleanúint ina dtír féin. Braithim go bhfuil an t-ábhar seo te ó thaobh mothúcháin ach gan a bheith fuar ó thaobh fíricí.
Cuirigí an t-éageart ós ár gcomhair, ar son Dé.
Govt condemned over move to deport Nigerian schoolgirls
11:03 Monday April 18th 2005
The Residents Against Racism group has condemned the Government following reports that deportation papers have been served on another Nigerian family in Athlone.
Reports this morning said the family, who include two schoolgirls aged 15 and 17, have been living in the Co Westmeath town for a number of years.
The younger of the girls is preparing to sit her Junior Cert, while the older girl is also studying in a local school.
Their mother reportedly claimed asylum on the basis that she was fleeing an abusive tribal marriage, but her claim for refugee status was rejected and she has now been told that he will be deported to Lagos within weeks.
Residents against Racism spokesperson Rosanna Flynn said she was "horrified" by the news, particularly given the outcry that followed the deportation of 20-year-old Leaving Cert student Kunle Elukanlo earlier this year.
"The people of Ireland are now making it very clear that they don't want this kind of thing to happen," Ms Flynn said.
"Families that have been here for a number of years and are well settled into Irish society, well-liked and taken to people's hearts are just being taken away and sent to Nigeria."
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{ photos by redjade } © [ Thanks goes to Nial Donald from Anna Livia FM Radio for interviewing many of the hunger strikers, and thanks goes to others in helping with other investigations ]
Many of the leaders of the Hunger Strike at the Lower Gardiner Street Hostel
Anna Livia FM interview in the neighborhood
Hunger Striker with the local Northside kids