Titled 30 Years, 30 Voices: The Power of Protection, the book was launched yesterday evening to coincide with World Refugee Day 2023. The launch event was supported and sponsored by A&L Goodbody, a long-standing partner of the Irish Refugee Council.

The 30 voices featured in the book include refugees, people in the protection process, staff, supporters, and trustees. The voices reflect on the fortitude of people who have experienced the process and the power of refugee protection.

The voices also reflect on the Irish Refugee Council’s work over the last 30 years. The Irish Refugee Council movement existed since the early 1990s and the organisation became a registered entity in 1992.

Wendy Muperi, communications officer for the Irish Refugee Council and co-ordinator of the 30 Voices project, said: “With each voice, you appreciate how the international protection system has evolved in the last three decades and its impact on those who have experienced it.

“We also hope, in challenging times, that this book helps in humanising the issues and statistics we see and hear, that is serves as an appreciation of the work devoted towards developing the legal and physical infrastructure that exists, and a reminder of the different reasons why people seek protection.”

Doireann Breathnach, chair of the board of trustees of the Irish Refugee Council, added: “This book provides a sample of the incredibly special and passionate group of individuals, employees, partners, friends, supporters, and volunteers who have come together to be on the right side of history for this generation.

“Most of all, it honours those who the Irish Refugee Council serves, some of whom have since gone on to serve others in their turn.”