Afghan's describe reasons for their action

dublin | racism & migration related issues | news report

Wednesday May 17, 2006 12:44

by Joe - WSM - personal capacity

Statement issued near start of occupation

I attended last nights vigil outside the cathedral. While there I got a copy of what appears to be a statement from the Afghan's probably released near the start of the occupation as it refers to 33 Afghans (this number rose to 41 within hours). As this doesn't seem to be online I've typed it in below - it certainly nails some of the lies being told and it is important that there words are circulated. I've also included a couple of photos from last night.

Anti-war protesters including some jailed for Shannon direct actions

Hunger strike by 33 Afghan asylum seekers in order to be given refugee status by the Irish Department of Justice

Afghanistan has been a country in critical war conditions for a long time, whether it was occupied by Russia troops or whether there was civil war. The human rights records remained poor due to a weak central government and deadly insurgents.

There are reports of politically motivated or extrajudicial killings by the governments or its agents. For example torture, official impunity, poor prison conditions, prolonged pre-trial detention, abuse of authority by regional commanders, restrictions on freedom of the press, religion, movement and associations, acts of violence, discrimination against women and minorities, trafficking in persons, abuse of workers rights, child labour, etc.

Unacquainted with the totality of the current situation in Afghanistan, the refugee application commissioner has not given full attention to our situation and has refused most of our asylum application without considering our human rights.

We held a disciplined demonstration against the decisions in Dublin in order to defend our rights and to fight for justice, but unfortunately we have not been give a positive response by the Department of Justice. We left Afghanistan to survive and protect our rights.

We have been here in Ireland for a number of years and most of us have been suffering from mental and physical problems on top of the mental and physical torture we had to endure in Afghanistan.

We could not bear this situation any longer. So finally we have taken refuge in this holy church and started a hunger strike to defend our human rights to asylum.

We want the opportunity to live a life in peace here in ireland. Otherwise we will face death.

St. Patrick's Cathedral Patrick Street Dublin 8