'Direct Provision - Ireland’s purgatory for asylum seekers'
'Direct Provision - Ireland’s purgatory for asylum seekers'
By Zoe S.
On 'Direct Provision - Ireland’s purgatory for asylum seekers'
Direct Provision Centres are a system of asylum seeker accommodation used in the Republic of Ireland. The Irish government pays private corporations to house individuals seeking refuge, resulting in a network of companies making profits at the expense of the lives of asylum seekers.
A system heavily criticised by various human rights organisations, families are crammed into small rooms, unable to cook their own food or progress towards living a fulfilled life. Asylum seekers are stuck in this system for years on end, with no right to work and very little money to live on. Unable to socially-distance themselves from other residents, there have been multiple Covid-19 outbreaks in centers such as Kinsale Road, Lisanisk House Hotel, and Skellig Star Hotel. Data from the Irish Refugee Council confirms that only 50% were able to socially-distance, and more than half of respondents reported feeling unsafe during the pandemic.
About the illustrator
Zoe S. is a self taught Irish illustrator currently based in Brazil. She is producing editorial illustrations in both traditional and digital media. You can find her on Instagram at @zsillustration.
For more information on Direct Provision visit https://www.masi.ie/.