10 signatures reached
To: #GE2016 Political Candidates, Political Parties
Migrants for Ireland: Election Manifesto
We are asking #GE2016 political candidates to make a political commitment to migrant issues by endorsing the following manifesto.
1 WE DEMAND YOUR SUPPORT FOR EQUALITY FOR MIGRANTS IN:
Labour Market: Ensure equal access to and treatment within the labour market.
Wages: On average migrants make 82% of average Irish wages.
Housing: Access to housing should be based on needs, not legal status.
Education: Standardise school admission policies to tackle the overconcentration of migrant pupils in migrant-only schools; Ensure access to interpreters for migrant students; Provide English language support and home language tuition for all migrant pupils; Change syllabi to reflect a diverse student body; Involve migrants in all educational committees.
Health & Mental Health: Include culturally diverse systems and staff.
Gender Policies: Ensure meaningful provisions for migrant women in accessing services including in relation to gender-based violence.
Institutions: Establish inclusive institutions to reflect Ireland’s diverse society.
2 WE DEMAND YOUR SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION IN RELATION TO:
Anti-Racism: Include anti-racism policies in policing, employment, education, health and other essential services to protect vulnerable members of the community.
Hate Crimes: Introduce hate crimes legislation and encourage victims to report hate crimes to the Gardai.
Immigration: Introduce just and fair immigration and asylum laws, including clear and affordable pathways towards citizenship.
Repeal Amendment 27: Remove the 27th Amendment on citizenship as per the 1916 Proclamation’s commitment to “Cherish all the children of the nation Equally.”
Ratify Istanbul: Ratify the Istanbul convention, including article 38 (on Female Genital Cutting).
3 WE DEMAND YOU END THE DIRECT PROVISION SYSTEM AND END DEPORTATIONS.
Why is this important?
Twelve percent of the population of Ireland are migrants, of whom so many have the right to vote. Migrants bring enterprise and initiative, and in order to actively participate in Irish society, migrants must be visible in all spheres of Irish life and be represented proportionally to our number in the Irish population in all decision making processes.
Irish political actors have done little or nothing to reach out to immigrants during elections. Integration has dropped off the radar and from the programmes of all political parties. A diverse republic needs inclusive politics and institutions that reflect the composition of a diverse society. Government bodies and local authorities need to do much more to engage with immigrant communities.
We, the Migrant-Led Coalition, are calling on all politicians and candidates to sign up to our election manifesto and pledge to represent the needs of their migrant constituents.