Introduction
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow campaigners, colleagues…
The deliberate targeting of daughters, mothers and grand-mothers by
warlords, traffickers and thugs in the current crisis is too often
overlooked
As a campaigner, a feminist and the only independent woman in cabinet I
welcome this important body of research.
While your work is welcome – your findings are stark.
Your documentation of the perilous journeys undertaken by women and their
subsequent life in the camps while disturbing is also a call to action.
Physical, sexual and domestic violence must not be allowed hide in the fog
of war, terror and the resulting mass movements of men, women and children.
Your findings show that one-in-five women experienced acts of violence as
they fled to Europe’s shows, the culprits were not always criminals or
corrupt police forces – but also by the men the victims already knew.
Over 40% of women were detained at some stage of their journey, some while
pregnant.
While the danger continues in the camps of Greece.
Three quarters report health problems in the camps, while there is a
shortage of clean water as well as lack of security around toilets and
shower areas – making girls and women particularly vulnerable.
Everyone who believes in equality and opposes violence should read ‘Hidden
Struggles’.
Irish Government Response
We all have a responsibility to respond to your findings.
As an independent voice at cabinet I am determined Ireland will play its
part.
That was the message I brought during my visit to Greece with the Tánaiste
and Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, last month.
I travelled in the knowledge that Ireland, Europe and the international
community do not have a record to be proud of.
Too many promises have been broken, too many commitments have not been
honoured and too many people have been left in danger.
We met those in the frontline – the men, women and children of the camps,
aid workers and the Greek Government up to the Prime Minister.
Our visit was welcomed – and I am delighted to say followed by action.
The same week Ireland accepted 131 people from Greece – including three
unaccompanied children.
We are now committed to taking an average of 80 people per month during
2017 to ensure Ireland meets its commitments.
Community Response
It is clear though that throughout our country families, communities and
organisations also want to play their part.
This support is not only welcome – it is needed.
You have highlighted a number of measures which can be taken in terms of
improving safety in the camps.
These are practical calls to action – which our agencies, both government
and non-government can provide.
The provision of training, manuals on responding to gender based violence,
therapy and trauma support is desperately needed.
We have that expertise – within our state services but also within rape
crisis centres and others who respond to gender based violence in this
country.
Together we must look at bringing that expertise to the camps – whether
through online training or on the ground work.
With the best will in the world – past experience has told us that camp
life will be a reality for many for months and years to come and we must
prepare for that.
Women and girls must be allowed to go about life in safety – while those
who have been abused must be supported.
Let’s make a joint call today for all with knowledge, skills and talent to
come forward and begin that work.
Calais
Before concluding I would like to take this opportunity to give an update
on the situation regarding the children who formerly lived in the jungle
camp at Calais.
My officials have made a fresh visit to France in the past week to continue
the process of assisting children to come here.
Two boys who formerly lived in Calais are already here.
In addition officials and social workers have met and assessed four young
Afghani boys.
They are were excited to meet our team and are looking forward to coming to
Ireland.
They expressed a desire to play cfootball, learn English and go to school.
Overall our goal is to have assessed 40 children by the beginning of the
summer.
As Minister I am seeking the establishment of a National Project Office to
ensure those arriving here are given every opportunity to re-start their
young lives.
In that regard we also continue to review resources for this endeavour.
As a Government we take these actions knowing that we are not only carrying
out the wishes of Dáil Éireann – but of the vast majority of people in
Ireland.
Conclusion
We continue to live in a time of change.
An estimated 244 million people are migrants – that is unprecedented.
As a country we cannot be isolated from this.
We must most offer shelter, safety and support to those who lie awake at
night – fearing a knock on the door, a barrel bomb through the roof or
indiscriminate hit squads.
Today it is war and terror – next it could be the impact of climate change
which will have people on the move.
It is a new reality that Ireland should be prepared for.
I want to thank you, Denise, Marta, Nusha, Brian – the Immigrant Council of
Ireland and your many partners for bringing focus to just some of the
urgent needs.
I wish you well with your work.