IMMIGRANT FAMILIES aff-ected by poverty are being invited to participate in a special programme in Dublin to mark the United Nations International Day of Families.
The public meeting, organised by the Universal Peace Federation of Ireland and the Lantern Interfaith Centre, takes place at the latter’s premises on Friday 13 May, marking the global family occasion on 15 May.
According to Michael Murray, director of the Lantern Interfaith Centre, the programme is particularly aimed at highlighting “the plight of the immigrant communities in this time of recession”.
He told Metro Éireann: “We want some of the migrant families of different nationalities and cultures to articulate and identify and describe the hardships they are experiencing.”
Murray said resources towards integration and inclusion have been cut back “at a time when the economic pressures on the community have been extenuated”.
He added that a “listening and influential audience” – including politicians, service providers and the media – are also being invited to attend the event, which has a theme of ‘Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion’.
Halvard Iversen of co-organisers the Universal Peace Federation of Ireland said speakers with “hands-on experience of social problems” are also being earmarked.
The programme will take place on Friday 13 May at the Lantern Interfaith Centre 17 Synge Street, Dublin, and beginning with registration at 6.30pm.
According to the organisers, snacks and drinks will also be provided, while parking will also be available adjacent to the meeting location. There will be a Q&A at the meeting, with the programme set to wind up after 8.30pm.
