Today marks 20 years of Direct Provision.

Below, essential reading which helps us to understand why this system was implemented and the wrongs highlighted within.
Earlier this year, @LTlaw_ at UCD launched Exploring Direct Provision, an incredible resource which explores the origins of the DP system, its early justification at Government level and how it really was only supposed to exist for 6 months. https://exploringdirectprovision.ie/ 
For my part, I've worked to highlight the continued use of Emergency Accommodation for asylum seekers in Ireland since September 2018.

'Emergency accommodation for asylum seekers costs three times more than Direct Provision centres' https://jrnl.ie/4782558 
For years, Lucky Khambule, @BulelaniMfaco and dozens of activists at @Masi_asylum have worked tirelessly on behalf of Direct Provision residents.

Their inaugural conference at Liberty Hall was one to remember.

Worth getting a hold of Masi's Journal.
On the subject of testimonies of life in Direct Provision, last November @JessicaTraynor6 and Stephen Rea launched 'Correspondences: An anthology to call for an end to Direct Provision'.
Consistent scrutiny of this system is needed.

We've seen in recent weeks the Department's harried response to Covid-19 and the effects it is already having on those living in Direct Provision.

Should we continue to rely on the market and private enterprise?
What this tells me is that this system is fundamentally unsustainable.

We will need a new approach once this pandemic ends.

I hope @DeptJusticeIRL will listen to MASI, @IrishRefugeeCo, @NascIreland, @AmnestyIreland, @SanctuaryRunner among others.
Finally, I'll finish with the case of Sylva Tukula.

Sylva died in a Direct Provision centre in August 2018.

Despite requests from her friends to hold a funeral, she was buried alone in Bohermore Cemetery on the orders of the State.
Our reporting @Thejournal_ie forced The Department to act to ensure this never happened again.

Justice Department to make 'formal requests' to coroners after woman who died in Direct Provision buried alone'.

For my part, I will keep reporting. https://jrnl.ie/4874175 
You can follow @ConalThomas.
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