A group of asylum seekers sleeping in a makeshift camp on Sandwith Street in Dublin have been the victims of an anti-immigrant group attack.
In a video that has been shared on social media, a large group of people began to surround the tents on Thursday night and verbally abuse the inhabitants, shouting phrases such as "This is our country."
A number of men have been living in these tents because the Office of International Protection say they do not have any accommodation available.
08/05/2023 Dublin, Ireland. Pictured are tents outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street. Asylum seekers who have not been provided with accomodation have pitched their tents here in protest. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie'There is danger'
Speaking to Newstalk, Abdul from Afghanistan said he has been sleeping rough since he arrived in Ireland on the 27th of April 2023.
“For two weeks, we have lived here,” he said.
“Last night, too many people came and attacked, they fight too much.
“Last night, we didn’t sleep because they told us there is danger if you stay here.”
Department response
A spokesperson for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said the department "deplores any violent incidents or intimidation towards international protection applicants."
"Access to suitable accommodation is severely constrained at present, particularly for International Protection applicants.
"The department is availing of all offers of accommodation made to it, including the use of repurposed buildings and tented accommodation, to address the accommodation shortfall.
"Since the beginning of 2023, more than 5,300 bed spaces have been brought into use for International Protection applicants, alongside more than 5,000 beds for those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
"The department is working to secure further accommodation and hopes to deliver significant capacity in the coming weeks to alleviate the shortages being experienced presently," the spokesperson added.
