Irish bishops say country has opportunity to protect migrants

Published: 2003-12-17

DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) -- The Irish bishops' conference said the Irish government has a "unique opportunity" to protect the rights of migrants and asylum seekers after Ireland assumes control of the European Union presidency in 2004. "Currently there is no common European Union policy regarding asylum and immigration and in many cases this has led to an erosion of human rights and chaos for all concerned," said Sister Joan Roddy, director of the Irish bishops' conference's Refugee Project. Ireland takes over the presidency of the European Union from Italy in 2004. Sister Roddy, a member of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph order, called on the Irish government to lead the union in enacting legislation that would "harmonize migration policies and procedures, (while) protecting the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants across the European Union."

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