President Michael D Higgins has condemned the growing rise of racism and a “poisonous xenophobia” that has arisen in recent times.
In St. Patrick’s Day speech, the President told the story of Ireland’s patron saint and related it to conflicts around the world that have torn people from their homes.
He said the people of Ukraine must remain foremost in our minds.
President Higgins said contemporary circumstances have “brought new forms of slavery into being, where racism is increasing rather than decreasing, in so many parts of a world, where a poisonous xenophobia, new and recalled, has taken hold in so many places. It is in these spaces where fear is being sowed.”
“Today, as we recall the life of our patron saint, we can invoke his spirit in acknowledging our role as global citizens, opening our minds and hearts to our universal human family in all its complexity, circumstances and vulnerability.”
President Higgins took the opportunity to thank Ireland’s school communities for opening their arms to displaced Ukrainian citizens.
He said: “It is by showing empathy, compassion and solidarity, such as by helping those fleeing distress, by offering our hearts and doors to those in need, and giving people an opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their families, that we demonstrate our commitment to bringing into being values which have the power to transcend borders.”
Watch the speech in full here:
