20 June – World Refugee Day: Solidarity Vigil | 6.15pm, Central Bank Plaza, Dame Street, Dublin 2

According to the UN, 20 June – World Refugee Day, international observance observed June 20th each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world.

As the refugee crisis and the death as seas continue, the European states – including Ireland – are far from delivering the promised refugee resettlement numbers agreed in 2015. Refugees are still the subjects of racist debates in political circles and in the media.
European racist and far-right movements are continuing to use the anti-refugee hate to mobilise and grow.

In 2015 over 3,770 refugees have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe According to the UN, 2016 was the deadliest year ever for refugees trying to reach Europe. More than 5000 refugees have died In 2017, so far more than 1,300 refugees have lost thier lives.

Fortress Europe policies are forcing the refugees fleeing war, torture, death, hunger and humanitarian crises to take more dangerous routes. For those refugees who reach Europe the uncertainties continue in the absence of welcoming state policies.

But there is another side to this story. That is the story of solidarity of the other Europe.
From Athens to Dublin, millions of people are still actively campaigning in solidarity with the refugees.

From mass political rallies to practical actions of solidarity, such as language support classes, to cultural-music-food events, to grass-roots community initiatives there is a huge network of people in solidarity with the refugees…

In Ireland we have seen brilliant examples of community and grass-roots activism reaching out to our refugee brothers and sisters. We congratulate and all activists and stand in solidarity with them.

United Against Racism has organised many events including mass rallies, solidarity campaigns and political challenges to the Irish Governments. We will continue to fight against all forms of racism and oppression and we’ll continue to stand in solidarity with our refugee brothers and sisters.

Organised by United Against Racism. All Welcome.