Cork Asylum Seeker Turns to NASC for Support Amidst Human Rights Violations in Direct Provision via open letter below:
Hello Mrs. Hurley,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Quianna Canada, and I am writing to you to request NASC’s assistance and support in communicating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). On March 24, 2023, I published an article on my website urging the UNHCR to investigate Ireland’s coercive repatriation practices. Since the publication of the article, an authority figure has continued to curtail my efforts in reaching the UNHCR.
As an asylum seeker residing in Direct Provision, I have been exposed to cruel and unusual treatment and punishment which has negatively impacted my well-being. Unfortunately, I have not been permitted to communicate this dire situation to the UNHCR due to several reasons, one of which includes lack of access to proper channels of communication.
Considering your organization’s mandate to “link” asylum seekers to their rights, I am kindly requesting your assistance in acting as an intermediary between the UNHCR and I. I strongly believe that your support will not only help me, but will also help other asylum seekers who have been exposed to arbitrary and capricious treatment in this institution.
Cork Asylum Seeker Turns to NASC for Support Amidst Human Rights Violations in Direct Provision – Cites UNHCR Handbook
As you know, the right to contact a UNHCR representative is mentioned in the UNHCR Handbook (pp. 42-43, para. 192 (iv)). Indeed, any restrictions on an asylum seeker’s right to contact the UNHCR raises doubts as to Ireland’s compliance with international standards.
The Council Directive 2005/85/EC further recognizes the importance of UNHCR’s involvement and regards it as a basic safeguard applicable to all types of asylum procedures. For instance, Article 10 (c) reads that asylum seekers:
“shall not be denied the opportunity to communicate with the UNHCR or with any other organization working on behalf of the UNHCR in the territory of the Member State pursuant to an agreement with that Member State…” Article 21 further states that Member States shall allow the UNHCR (a) to have access to applicants for asylum, and (b) to have access to information on individual applications for asylum, on the course of the procedure and on the decisions taken, provided that the applicant for asylum agrees…”
I really would like to work with NASC on this pressing issue and receive its support. I am also willing to meet with you in person to discuss this matter further.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Sincerely,
Quianna Canada
