An exhibition showcasing photographs that bring to light the narratives of refugees from over ten countries and honour the efforts made by various Irish communities to assist them has been inaugurated in Dublin.
The display, titled ‘Saol Nua: The Refugee Experience in Ireland’, is accessible to the public at the Liffey Room, CHQ Building, in Dublin 1 from June 29th until July 1st, 2024. It was launched by the Irish Refugee Council and photographer Michael Sugrue in a Friday evening event.
Sugrue presents the distinctive and deeply moving narratives of refugees, stressing the impact of Ireland in offering a supportive atmosphere to those escaping chaos. “The diversity of experience mirrored in this collection surpasses what most would perceive imaginable for a minor island nation,” he commented.
He further stated that “the exhibition illustrates more than just an assembly of zealous, reflective, and kind-hearted individuals. It unequivocally emphasises Ireland as an alluring destination for the freedom, culture and support that one can anticipate receiving here.”
Nicholas Henderson, the chief executive of the Irish Refugee Council, highlighted that numerous participants in the exhibition have made significant progress, whether it’s engaging themselves in national projects or extending help to newly arrived refugees.
Henderson highlighted the key role played by community groups in embracing families and solitary individuals, making a special mention that the community sponsorship team of the Irish Refugee Council has been instrumental in supporting 16 groups since 2019, which has led to the welcome of 67 individuals.
Salim and his mother, who had arrived in Ireland from Lebanon in 2016 after living in Syrian refugee camps for four years following their escape from war in Syria, shared their own experience. Salim, who is currently employed as a driver for An Post, claims that his life took a significant turn after shifting to Ireland. Along with Salim, his sister and brother-in-law, who he was reunited with in Ireland, are also learning English. “Ireland has given me more than I could ever ask for. It is my home now”, he concluded.