Nasc launch video documenting experience of Syrian refugee

Tue, September 15, 2015

Nasc has launched a short video to highlight the experience of a Syrian refugee who has made his way to Ireland. The video ‘The Last Hope: A Story from Inside Syria’ is a true story. It aims to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and asylum seekers who come to Ireland for protection.

Nasc CEO Fiona Finn states:

“The traumatic events in this man’s life are just one example of the experiences faced by millions of Syrian refugees. His journey from war-torn Syria to Cork has not been an easy one.”

The video is voiced by Irish people to highlight that Daner’s story could be anyone’s story. It was directed by award-winning Cork filmmaker Brian Cronin.

“The video is really about raising people’s awareness about the plight of the millions of refugees and displaced people who are fleeing their homelands due to violence, war and persecution. Seeking asylum is a fundamental human right which we must uphold,” notes Ms. Finn.

The video can be viewed here:

Nasc has welcomed the government’s response to the humanitarian crisis, and its commitment to accept 4,000 people in desperate need of international protection. However, despite this positive action, more needs to be done.

The global humanitarian crisis we are now witnessing will continue for some years to come and Ireland’s commitments should remain under constant review. The government has suggested that the incoming refugees will be placed into emergency accommodation separate from the current Direct Provision system.

“While we recognise that the establishment of the new proposed reception regime is a temporary solution to deal with a large influx of people, it is vital that the proposed programme remain just that – temporary. The potential for the development of a two-tier system is a major cause for concern,” states Ms. Finn.

Nasc has called on the Government to respond to the crisis in the following ways:

  • Ireland must opt back into the Common European Asylum System, to bring Ireland back into line with the rest of Europe to ensure Europe as a whole is responding to the crisis in a consistent manner.
  • Ireland must advocate for and create safe and legal migration channels into Europe, including suspending the Dublin Regulations and removing the strict criteria for family unity.
  • Ireland must immediately implement the recommendations of the Working Group on the Protection Process and Direct Provision, including the speedy introduction of the International Protection Bill, to ensure that the protection and reception systems are fit for purpose and protect people’s dignity and human rights.

“The recent outcry of support from the Irish public has demonstrated our shared humanity. However, we must not forget those currently languishing in direct provision centres, including families and unaccompanied children. We must learn from the mistakes of the past in responding to the current crisis,” finishes Ms. Finn.

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