Launching the "Plurality of Existence" Poetry Anthology

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins with writers Jean-Marie Rukundo Phillemon, Sinisa Koncic and Marie Claire Mundi Njong and artist Clodagh Emoe on World Refugee Day
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins with writers Jean-Marie Rukundo Phillemon, Sinisa Koncic and Marie Claire Mundi Njong and artist Clodagh Emoe on World Refugee Day

On World Refugee Day on Tuesday I had the pleasure of launching the “The Plurality of Existence in the Infinite Expanse of Space and Time”; a collaborative anthology of poetry from the artist, Clodagh Emoe and Crocosmia; a group of writers seeking asylum, many living within the system of direct provision in Ireland.

I first encountered this project as a site-specific art installation where we were invited to linger by the Corrib River and listen to a man speaking of another river, the Danube, at a time of war. When we hear "How does the lilac smell there?" we can almost smell the scent ourselves and feel what it might be like when the familiar become unfamiliar - when a city is made strange by conflict.

These poems give insight into what it is to exist in two places simultaneously, a feeling deeply understood by many migrants. Importantly, they bring visibility to the voices and experiences of those who have crossed the boundaries of nation, race and culture and have made their home in Ireland.

This anthology demonstrates, again, the vital role of art in putting issues onto the political agenda and raising them in our collective conscience. With over 65 million people displaced from their homes worldwide and widespread rhetoric of division and hate around Europe and beyond and a Direct Provision system in Ireland which is unfit for purpose, the work of artists in this regard is more important than ever. It is the role of politics and politicians to listen to these voices and respond effectively.

 

You can listen to the poetry here: http://www.clodaghemoe.com/the-plurality-of-existence-in-the-infinite-expanse-of-space-and-time/

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Senators Alice-Mary Higgins and Frances Black co-sign letter from 1,000 parliamentarians calling on European leaders to take a stand against annexation and protect the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins, Senator Frances Black, Senator Lynn Ruane and Senator David Norris and more than 100 other Irish Oireachtas members have joined over 1,000 other parliamentarians from across Europe, in co-signing a letter calling on European leaders to act decisively against plans for illegal annexation of Palestinian territories by Israel which have the potential to undermine peace negotiations and further destabilize the region.



The joint letter, initiated by Avraham Burg a former speaker of Israel's parliamentary assembly, the Knesset, underlines the importance of a "rules based global order" and calls for a lasting solution to the conflict that meets “legitimate aspirations and security needs and guarantees equal rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.” It emphasizes that “Europe has the diplomatic tools to promote this just goal, and we stand ready to support such efforts.”



Senator Higgins said: “Europe has a responsibility to follow through on its long-stated commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to take a firm stand against attempts to undermine core principles of justice, human rights and peace. Europe must make strong use of its diplomacy to oppose any proposed new settlement or annexation and Ireland, in particular, needs to show leadership”



Senator Black said: “With the threat of annexation, the international community must recognise one thing above all else: Condemnation is not enough! It has not stopped decades of settlement expansion. We need real accountability and action before it’s too late. “



“I introduced The Occupied Territories Bill into Seanad Éireann in 2018, it prohibits the importation of goods from illegally occupied lands, including the illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The international community has an obligation to oppose annexation & the expansion of illegal settlements: we can start by refusing to support them economically.”



The letter, signed by 1080 parliamentarians, is addressed to EU Foreign Ministers and EU High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell. It calls on Europe to “take the lead in bringing international actors together to prevent annexation and to safeguard the prospects of the two-state solution and a just resolution to the conflict.”