United Against Racism (UAR) has arranged a public rally entitled Afghan Refugees are Welcome Here for tomorrow, 26 August at 5.30pm outside Leinster House.
The rally is part of a day of all-Ireland solidarity with Afghan refugees.
A post on UAR’s Twitter reads that the demo demands that the Irish government “let in Afghan refugees, open safe routes, stop deportations,” as well as ending border closures for refugees.
The statement concluded by saying “no to racism”.
The Facebook event for tomorrow’s rally reads: “The images and news reports of people desperately trying to flee Afghanistan are heartbreaking.”
“In United Against Racism we express our deepest solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and all refugees and asylum seekers fleeing war, conflict and persecution.”
UAR branches across the country have also organised events in Belfast and Sligo to show solidarity with Afghan refugees.
Those attending the protest are asked to follow Covid-19 safety rules, and to bring banners and placards.
The protest was called following the Taliban’s seizure of Kabul on August 14.
300 Afghan citizens are expected to arrive in Ireland in the coming weeks under refugee and family reunification programmes, RTE has reported.
150 humanitarian visas were announced on 18 August under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, has called on the Irish government to commit to accepting a minimum of one thousand Afghan refugees.
Last week while speaking on Midlands radio, Henderson said that: “We welcome the government’s statement so far…but we do think additional concrete action is needed.”
