If you are thinking of running, or have already put your name down, we would urge you to consider making it a sponsored run on behalf of the Irish Refugee Council (IRC). If you think friends or family would be interested then forward them this message.
Over the last 18 years, the IRC has played an active role in the fight for our vision of a just, fair and inclusive Irish society where people seeking refuge are welcome and valued.The IRC has started a new advocacy and awareness drive around the four immediate priorities in our strategic plan:
1. A fair and transparent asylum and protection system. We have been working, with our allies in the sector, to raise debate among the public and politicians on the need for changes in the wording and the delivery of the Immigration and Protection Bill which is currently being debated by the Dail and Seanad. We have focused I particular on the need for a fair hearing, promotion of the best interests of separated children, transparency of the new developed Protection Review Tribunal and limits on detention and on deportation without notice.
2. Adequate accommodation and rights for asylum seekers in Direct Provision. Our public campaigns have promoted public awareness of the impact on the lives of asylum seekers of living on 19.10 and not being allowed to work, study or cook for themselves. To highlight this, asylum seekers from all over Ireland and members of staff ran the Adidas Dublin Marathon wearing bright orange t-shirt with the slogan "19.10Euro a week for an asylum seeker = NOT FAIR." We hope to step up the campaign for the abolition of direct provision, or at least a time limit of 6 months, so that asylum seekers can work and contribute to society.
3. Protection and rights for separated children: We are working for the implementation of the recommendations of the IRC report Making Separated Children Visible. This has involved a lot of work with authorities and NGOs concerned with the protection and rights of separated children, advocating for models of best practice, promoting public awareness and working for legal change.
4. Awareness of asylum seekers and refugees, their lives, aspirations and rights. A very pro-active media strategy has meant that the IRC's views and information on asylum and protection have featured in, on average, more than one major article or TV or radio piece on our priority areas every working day for the last six months.
All of this work costs money. We are happy to have the support of two major foundations as well as state funding, but it is vital that we raise our own independent funds to supplement this.
The Flora Womens Mini-Marathon is one of several fund-raising initiatives over the next year. If you cannot run, we would appeal to you to sponsor a runner or make a donation. Any offers to help organise future fund-raising events would also be appreciated.
The IRC relies on the support of a network of members, if you are interested in supporting our activities and becoming a member please return a completed membership form (attached) to Irish Refugee Council, 88 Capel Street, Dublin 1.
Irish Refugee Council
88 Capel Street
Dublin 1
Tel: +353 (1) 873 0042
Website: www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie
How to run for the IRC in the mini-marathon
Please contact Kirsty at Kirsty@irishrefugeecouncil.ie or fantastickirsty@yahoo.co.uk with your full name, address and a contact number before the 17th April if you wish to take part on our behalf. The entrance fee will be paid for you and all we ask is that you donate your sponsorship money to the IRC. T-shirts and sponsorship forms will also be supplied. Alternatively if you are unable to take part but wish to make a donation please send your donations to the above address.For more information please view the Flora women' mini marathon websitehttp://www.womensminimarathon.ie/race_information/race_information.2.LE.asp
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