Dean: Asylum seekers ‘not aliens’ and deserve help
THE Dean of Christchurch Cathedral claimed yesterday direct provision is the “greatest issue of our time”.
The Very Rev Dermot Dunne said asylum seekers are “not aliens” and need to be embraced instead of isolated.
He added they must be given the dignity of being allowed to work and integrate into the community.
The Dean was speaking at the launch of the Our Table cafe at Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin.
The public food kiosk, which will operate in the grounds of the cathedral for the next five weeks, is organised and run by people living in direct provision.
Rev Dunne said the cafe allows asylum seekers to work and prepare food, which is something they are “deprived” of doing.
He hoped the initiative would send a message to policymakers that being able to work and cook was a basic human need.
Our Table organiser Ellie Kisyombe, who has been living in direct provision for eight years, added that being able to work and cook is mental therapy and freedom for people.