The Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) condemns the brutal attack on young children and their carer in Dublin last week. We express our solidarity and support for the injured and their families and communities, and wish those who have been injured a full and speedy recovery. IASW also denounces the anti-immigrant sentiment finding expression around the violent attacks and subsequent rioting in Dublin, including the weaponisation of such tragic events by far-right groups. Professionals from diverse, including migrant backgrounds are a vital part of the resourcing and effective running of our health and social care services. Specifically, Social Work as a profession in Ireland depends on Social Workers and allied professionals from such diverse, including migrant backgrounds. Recent rioting and other violence, and the hate-provoking sentiments expressed, on social media and elsewhere, of racism, islamophobia, and xenophobia, have left many, including Social Workers, feeling threatened in carrying out their vital work. Social Workers practice with and support people from different and indeed all backgrounds, including those who also feel the impact of the anti-immigrant agenda in their everyday lives.
The recent rioting and related violence further calls forth the need for effective hate crime legislation in Ireland. Therefore, the IASW urges the Government to prioritise enacting the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill, 2022. We also appeal to the Government to address the accountability of social media platform companies to moderate attempts to circulate racist, islamophobic, xenophobic and other hateful, violence-inciting and threatening content online. The IASW stands for and promotes human rights, social justice and the inclusion of people from all ethnicities, nationalities and believers of all faiths and of none, and stands against all forms of discrimination, segregation and injustice.
Vivian Geiran
Chair of IASW
SW000319
IASW Spokesperson: Vivian Geiran via office on 086 0241055
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