We are writing as a concerned mother and daughter relating to the Government’s decision in the Izevbekhai case.Pamela Izevbekhai’s fears for her daughters are well founded, having already lost one daughter to the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).
Conservative figures put the prevalence of FGM at 19 per cent, but the actual rate could be anywhere between 60 and 90 per cent, depending on regional demographics of the various ethnic groups.
Even though the Nigerian government has condemned this practice it is still prevalent. Therefore, FGM remains a very real danger to the lives of both Naomi and Jemima Izevbekha. Until the practice of this barbaric act is eradicated completely, these girls – should they be returned to Nigeria – face imminent danger.
The various representatives from the Nigerian embassy who have claimed that the Izevbekhai children face no risk of being mutilated if they are returned cannot guarantee Naomi and Jemima’s safety. The disparity between what the government denounces in theory and what occurs in practice is too great, and puts the lives, dignity and innocence of these children in jeopardy.
We are appalled at the xenophobic and heartless manner in which some members of the public have called for their deportation at the risk of the theoretical floodgates opening to others fleeing such persecution. Sacrificing these young children to show the world that Ireland is not a ‘soft touch’ is not the answer.
The Irish Government should take the first step in protecting those fleeing such persecution and having ratified the six core UN Human Rights treaties, should demonstrate their commitment to upholding the principles therein.
On this basis, we urge the Government to show compassion and mercy to these two innocent children and their mother by reversing the decision to deport them and grant them subsidiary protection to remain. After all, as Nelson Mandela said: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
Eileen and Carol Dwyer
Palmerstown, Dublin 20
