A wave of vicious anti-migrant protests in Dublin and beyond, including arson attacks on property earmarked for asylum seekers, and an emerging far right have posed challenges for the Irish government in the past year.
In the seaside resort of Courtown, 100km (60 miles) south of Dublin, residents have shown there is another way, one full of humanity and support for people fleeing conflict or persecution.
Hotel here houses about 200 male refugees and asylum seekers including a doctor, a vet, and an engineer who speaks five languages.
This is their story.
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It was sheer luck that Baba William got passage on the boat, and sheer luck that he survived. His flatmate in Libya, also from South Sudan
How has the Courtown community addressed the concerns or fears of local residents who may be hesitant about hosting refugees?
>Host: Welcome back to the show.
Joining us today is Fiona Finn, a community organizer from Courtown, a coastal town that has shown remarkable solidarity with refugees amidst a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment across Ireland. Fiona, thank you for being here.
> Guest: It’s my pleasure to be here.
> Host: Courtown has become a beacon of hope, welcoming around 200 male refugees and asylum seekers, including skilled professionals like doctors, vets, and engineers. What motivated the community to embrace this initiative?
>Guest: Well, I think it comes down to basic human compassion. We saw the suffering of people fleeing war and persecution, and we knew we couldn’t stand idly by. We saw them as individuals, as human beings deserving of dignity and respect, not just as statistics or a problem to be solved.
>Host: That’s a powerful statement.
We’ve seen a surge in anti-immigrant protests and even arson attacks targeting refugee accommodation in other parts of Ireland. How has Courtown managed to avoid such negativity?
>Guest: I think it’s about fostering understanding and building relationships. We organized community events where locals could meet the refugees, share food and stories, and learn about their experiences. This helped break down stereotypes and build bridges between cultures.
> Host: So, you believe that direct engagement and interaction are key to combating prejudice?
> Guest: Absolutely. When people see the humanity in each other, it becomes harder to dehumanize entire groups of people. But we can’t be naive. There are always going to be those who spread fear and division. Our challenge is to keep building a community based on empathy and inclusion.
>Host: What message do you have for other communities grappling with similar challenges?
>Guest: Don’t be afraid to reach out and offer support. Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Remember, we are all part of the human family, and we have a responsibility to care for one another.
