Along with the asylum seekers, activists, and campaigners involved in the event, Abolish Direct Provision invites everyone to join them for an evening of wonderful music at the Teacher’s Club on August 13. 

On their Facebook page, the group state, “Our campaign seeks to create social change, in order to protect and support [asylum seekers].” 

Featuring bands such as Kaleidoscope, Citadel World and The Fugues, poet Dave Lordan and singer Mabel Chah, the line-up is packed with exceptional talent. This will be a phenomenal night supporting the important cause of creating community and encouraging openness.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite and can be purchased here. For €10, you get general admission. Purchasing a €15 ticket also nets you an End DP Campaign t-shirt. At €20, your ticket will help towards the travel costs and overnight accommodation for asylum seekers attending the upcoming Empowerment Conference. 

Abolish Direct Provision are hosting the first Empowerment Conference for Asylum Seekers – an event solely for people in the Direct Provision system. The Conference will have a wide selection of sessions covering topics such as mental health, LGBT+/vulnerable groups support, campaign tools for change, legal and human rights support and social inclusion opportunities.

Recently GCN spoke to Niki Dube, an LGBT+ asylum seeker currently in the Direct Provision system. Niki shared how he came to Ireland to seek sanctuary from a dangerous situation but the trials of Direct Provision have presented their own problems.

Niki added: “This has been the most gruelling experience I’ve gone through in my life. I’m grateful I’ve got a roof over my head, I’ve got a meal when I’m hungry, I’ve got healthcare, but that’s the very least of my problems. Being in Direct Provision is similar to someone who’s in an open prison. I’ve been reduced from what I was to nothing. It’s a process that takes away a great part of your dignity.