Saturday: Athlone Demands Return of Iyabo & Elizabeth

by redjade Mon Apr 18, 2005 23:22

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by redjade Mon Apr 18, 2005 23:24

Govt condemned over move to deport Nigerian schoolgirls
http://irishexaminer.12hs.com/en_US/newsfeed/story.jhtml?s=54911615&r=1794&i=6379988&d=38143681

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 she will be deported to Lagos within weeks.

by Joseph King Wed Apr 20, 2005 14:41

Stop breaking up immigrant families

The Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) has called on the Irish Government, and in particular the Department of Justice, to deal in a common sense, respectful and decent manner with applications by immigrant families seeking leave to remain in Ireland on humanitarian grounds.

The organisation has also called on the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to immediately desist from the practice of deporting parents without their children. It is contrary to our traditions and values to deliberately act in a manner which has the direct consequence of breaking up the family unit.

EU Directive on Refugee Status, article 23, maintains that the best interest of the child and the maintenance of family unity should be a primary consideration of member states.

In addition, IPPN requests that Minister McDowell immediately exercises his power to give leave to remain in Ireland, families whose children have been attending school here for years and who are integrated successfully into the school and wider community.

IPPN supports the campaign in the Athlone area which seeks a humanitarian response to recent events that have led to the deportation of parents without their children.