MASI launches journal to give a voice to asylum seekers in Ireland
MASI launches journal to give a voice to asylum seekers in Ireland
Words: Ellen Kenny
MASI will launch their journal From Fear to Liberty, which highlights the talent of asylum seekers in Ireland.
The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland are launching their second publication featuring work from people currently in direct provision.
The journal will include personal essays, poetry, artworks, research and commentary on the realities of the direct provision system. It will also feature personal accounts from people who are or have been “incarcerated in the open prison that is Direct Provision.”
The journal will launch in the People’s Pavilion at the Irish Museum of Modern Art on August 6 at 12:00. Those in attendance can buy one of the approximately 500 copies of MASI Journal 2 available.
As well as readings by contributors, there will be guest speakers and speakers from MASI, dance, music, food, art and live performances from artists including Farah Elle, Nealo, Go Dance For Change, Catherine Young, NuxSense and Mimmie Malaba.
Tickets are free and there is no booking required.
Who are MASI?
The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland was established in 2014 after asylum seekers had a lockout protest that lasted for 10 days in Kinsale Road Direct Provision Centre following mistreatment from staff.
As a completely voluntary organisation, MASI advocates for justice, freedom and dignity for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. The main focus of MASI is on the complete abolition of direct provision. They also fight for the Right to Education and the Right to Work for all people seeking asylum.
MASI previously published MASI Journal No. 1 in 2019. It featured contributions from activists such as Evgeny Shtorn and Bulelani Mfaco and artists such as Nasir ElSafi. It also featured writers such Asad Mahmud, and poets Donal O’Kelly and FeliSpeaks.
MASI coordinator Lucky Khambule commented on the launch of From Fear to Liberty: “To all international protection applicants I would say, find it within yourself to have the courage to fight the fears you have while you wait for your decision, and raise your voice to speak up, because if you don’t, they will let you die and say that you enjoyed it.”
Elsewhere on District: Dublin Writers Museum closes as it “no longer meets expectations” of modern tourism
