Madam, - I wish to draw attention to the incorrect use of the term "refugee" in your headline, "Notices in embassies aim to discourage refugees" (The Irish Times, April 28th). While the focus of this article concerns a Supreme Court decision on the residency rights of non-national parents on the basis of their children born in Ireland, this issue is entirely separate from asylum.
It is very unlikely that Ireland is placing notices in Irish embassies to discourage refugees.Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that every person has the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution.
Ireland has never indicated any intention to undermine this fundamental human rights principle. Ireland is also a signatory to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, under which there are international treaty obligations committing Ireland to the protection of refugees. Ireland has performed its duties under this convention in an exemplary manner.
I would like to appeal to The Irish Times to maintain the distinction between refugees and others in order not to confuse public discourse on the subject. - Yours, etc.,
PIA PRYTZ PHIRI, UNHCR Representative in Ireland, Dublin