NEWS
Afghan Appeal – housing still needed We are now in the fifth month of our Afghan Appeal, and it is fitting to update members as to progress to date, as well as the challenges that continue to call upon the charity and solidarity of the Irish legal community. Some inroads have been made into settling the judges in Ireland, thanks to help from volunteering colleagues and judiciary with accessing IT and English language instruction, as well as housing. However, housing remains our most pressing and urgent priority. In the absence of housing, these families’ progress will be hampered, and their opportunity for advancement delayed. The offers of property have been inspiring; however, mainly due to family configurations, we have only been able to progress four families. We require six more three-bedroom properties, for 12 months. A stable location for 12 months will provide certainty to the families as well as assisting the Appeal in pinpointing the neighbouring supports. ■ Do you have a property that might suit? ■ Do you know anyone who might be in a position to provide such a property? ■ Is there a property that may require some refurbishment, which we could assist in finishing off for rental? We are happy to discuss, in confidence, all offers of three-bedroomed properties across the State, and can assist with
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THE BAR REVIEW : Volume 27; Number 1 – February 2022
putting in place the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), the appropriate agreement, and any other issues that you may wish to raise in respect of this appeal.
If you can help, please contact AfghanAssistance@lawlibrary.ie. Other developments Other developments that you might wish to know about include: ■ the establishment of support circles, led by members of the judiciary, the Bar and solicitors, with further expansion once they have bedded in; ■ we are also grateful for the continued assistance of Irish Rule of Law International and its volunteers; ■ we have received laptops from Irish Life and Workday, with any excess going to others in Direct Provision; ■ valuable links have been established with local and national support groups, the benefit of which will be become even more apparent as we find homes for these remaining families; ■ there has been continuing commitment from all professional bodies to involve, incorporate and support the judges in relevant professional development initiatives; and, ■ we are grateful for financial support and donations from members, Bar associations and other groups.
