Join the community response to help 11 Afghan female judges and their families.
The Law Society is a proud founding partner of the Irish Justice Community Response to Afghan Crisis. We are joined in this collaborative initiative by our colleagues in the Judiciary, led by International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) and the Association of Judges in Ireland (AJI), The Bar of Ireland, and Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI).
We are pleased to share that the Irish State has secured safe passage and protection for 11 Afghan female judges and their families arising from the dangers they would otherwise face by remaining in Afghanistan. Their arrival in Ireland is imminent.
Collective response
This initiative represents a unique demonstration of solidarity with our Afghan judicial and lawyer colleagues who have faced enormous challenges in recent months. As we know the position of female legal professionals in particular, judges and lawyers, is precarious under the Taliban regime.
The coalition of the above parties is inviting all members of the legal community to assist as part of a collaborative, justice sector-wide effort to support their safe transition to and settlement in Ireland. The Law Society is urging on members of the solicitors profession, those in a position to do so, to respond to this urgent call.
Legal Community Sponsorship: How we can help
The best and most fitting model of support is one based on community sponsorship. This is where local colleagues assist in practical, social and professional ways to welcome and integrate those arriving, along with their families.
This model of support has proved successful elsewhere, and we believe is an effective way for the Irish legal community to lend its urgent support to our colleagues.
There are three ways that you can help:
Justice Community Fund
Are you in a position to make a donation towards a fund to assist the judges and their families?
As the arrival of our Afghan colleagues and their families draws near, the most urgent issue is one of funding. This is in order to support our colleagues to establish themselves in Ireland, and contribute to the cost of food, accommodation, health and social care.
Any contribution to the Justice Community Fund, no matter how small, is appreciated and will make a difference.
Housing & Accommodation
Do you have access to, or know of, a suitable residential property to accommodate the judges and their families for a one-year period?
Collegiality & Support
Would you like to provide practical non-financial assistance, including professional and personal support, friendship, networking, and social opportunities?
Members of the Law Society have to date generously pledged financial donations, collegiate support and access to suitable accommodation as part of this important initiative. Thank you.
Who is managing this initiative?
This initiative is being overseen by a small group composed of the Law Society of Ireland and The Bar of Ireland, representatives of the Judiciary, led by the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) and the Association of Judges in Ireland (AJI), and Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI). This initiative is supported by the Irish Refugee Programme of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the Department of Justice.
As the structures are put in place and progress made, colleagues will be updated.
The State will provide practical assistance to the families to secure school places for the children, access to social welfare and any health supports required.
Contact details
Should you have any queries arising from the above, please contact Miriam Taber, Senior PR Executive: afghanassistance@lawsociety.ie. Thank you for your assistance.