In keeping with the spirit of the United Nations and of the Geneva Convention of 1949, we Mercy Sisters in the Western Province, keep very much in mind the protection of the vulnerable, upholding justice and providing practical help, where possible, for displaced persons who are innocent victims of war and political oppression.

The United Nations has recently reminded us that there are approximately 258 million migrants living outside their country of birth. Our support is essential since many of these, through no fault of their own, have been forced to flee from their home.

The General Assembly of the United Nations has outlined protocols and suggestions to help countries dealing with migrants. We continue to familiarise ourselves with these and have endeavoured to implement the following:

• In many areas of our Province we follow the UN Global objective for managing migration by our own example of non-discrimination and respect.
• We work to assist agencies in our local areas live out the human rights, care and assistance due to refugees and migrants.
• We respond to legitimate concerns of local people and, by our example, promote the demographic advantages and richness that other cultures bring to Ireland.
• We familiarise ourselves with the pledges the Irish Government and Civil Society made at the 2019 Forum in Geneva 2019, and lobby to have these honoured.
• We recognise that having qualifications and experience, refugees and asylum seekers often have difficulty accessing jobs, in comparison with other migrant groups, so we work, where possible, to highlight this and strive to get them integrated into local workplaces.
• Direct Provision Centres are of particular concern and we liaise with agencies and authorities to make our concerns known.
• We encourage migrants to respect local customs and encourage them to participate in festive events, sports clubs and to show how their respective cultures can enrich ours.

Since 2000, Sisters have liaised with local agencies and have participated in education and integration programmes to help many programmed refugees and asylum seekers, who were directed by the Irish Government to the west of Ireland. Being aware of their needs and entitlements we continue to this day to advocate on their behalf.

“Gifted with hope and mercy and deepening our understanding of ourselves as an international congregation, we are called to nourish and live the charism of mercy within the whole community of life.” Chapter Event 2018

Since the recent outbreak of war in the Ukraine, many refugees have come to seek shelter in Ireland. We were happy in the Western Province to use convents that had been closed as refuge for some of these immigrants. Buildings in Gort and Loughrea have been adapted for such use.