Sir, - As a member of Amnesty International for 27 years, I would like to say why I support its current campaign against racism.
Over the years I have met many people from different countries who came to Ireland seeking refuge from unimaginable cruelties, torture and persecution. One would think that because of their immense suffering prior to their arrival here, at least they should now be able to live in a secure stable environment which would help them rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, this is not the case - there is a slow dripping away of their dignity through racism.
The growth of racism in our society is a very serious concern, and I, like many other ordinary citizens, feel that our Government has not taken the issue seriously enough. It is not just the public-awareness campaign promised by the Government that has not yet materialised - there are large gaps in our legislative procedures for dealing with racism issues in Ireland, and Amnesty has carefully documented these areas and made specific recommendations for rectifying them (see its website, www.amnesty.ie).
In highlighting the need for leadership, clearly Amnesty has focused on the Government representatives with most power to deliver. Amnesty is certainly not suggesting that any of our government leaders are racist or hold racist views, and the information available from Amnesty makes several references to the many speeches by the Taoiseach and his ministers condemning the upsurge in racist attitudes in our society. While the campaign is quite provocative, it is quite obvious that what Amnesty is suggesting is that more action needs to be taken as government inaction can contribute to the rise in racism.
Amnesty International takes its mandate from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of which Article 1 states "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights". Amnesty in Ireland campaigns on human rights for all, without fear or favour, both domestically and internationally. Inevitably campaigning involves a mixture of arresting publicity and private engagement. I am quite sure that the Irish Section of Amnesty will continue to constructively engage with the Government on eliminating racism - a goal of both parties. - Yours, etc,
Mary Lawlor, Hazel Avenue, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.