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The Green Party has called on the
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell TD to meet with a group of
Afghanistan nationals who are on hunger strike in St. Patrick's
Cathedral in Dublin.
The group of twenty to thirty men occupied the Cathedral after
today's Cathedral Service. At least three minors are believed to be
among the group. The group are seeking refugee status in Ireland.
The hunger strike was apparently precipitated after several of the
men's applications for refugee status were turned down last Friday
by the Office of the Refugee Appeals Commissioner.
Green Party Justice Spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD stated:
"These men are desperate. They have fled a war-torn country and are
concerned that their lives will be in danger if they return.
Minister McDowell should at least meet with the group and listen to
their concerns. I spoke with the group's representatives Osman Hotak
and Sultan Kabirchakara and I believe that their cases are genuine.
They are concerned that Office of the Refugee Appeals Commissioner
is not taking sufficient account of the dreadful conditions in their
home country.
According to the Amnesty International's 2005 Country Report armed
groups in Afghanistan continue to commit abuses against civilians
with impunity. Armed groups across the country have consolidated
their control over the local population and were responsible for
killing civilians, aid workers, election officials and potential
voters. In addition lawlessness and insecurity increased, hampering
efforts towards peace and stability.
"Ironically the men are sitting on pews under the regimental flags
of Irish Regiments that under English command wreaked havoc in
Afghanistan and contributed to the instability that continues today.
"Minister McDowell should meet with the men and consider allowing
them to stay as either program refugees, or else as asylum seekers." |
CiaranCuffe.com,
or Text Ciaran on 087 265 2075.