Dublin, August 13th, 2025
Today, a group of 25 Sanctuary Runners stood shoulder-to-shoulder with members of the migrant community in powerful silence outside Government buildings to call for greater protection for migrants in Ireland and a much greater focus on the need for effective community integration.
In the last month alone, there have been a number of documented racist attacks, which have sparked national and international outrage.
The gathering was a collective response to these in the form of a 45-minute stand which brought together community organisations, workers groups and TDs.
Sanctuary Runners condemn the attacks and is deeply saddened by the fear they have instilled in our communities, which has led to the postponement of the India Day celebrations, an annual event held every August since 2015.
And we are mindful that so many such incidents and the threats of violence against Ireland’s migrant community go unreported each year.
As a group which prides itself on celebrating the culture of our members at every event we take part in, this comes as a stark reminder of how standing together against fear and division is now needed more than ever. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by these events.
Fumulayo F Sholanke, a Sanctuary Runner in Dublin said: “We stand for the same cause, a group of people united with a common purpose for change, in agreement, supporting and loving each other, one love, together we stand. I want to see an Ireland that pushes for amnesty, so we can live in peace again.”
The presence of the Sanctuary Runners at today’s silent protest reflects the organisation’s deep commitment to the values of solidarity, inclusion, and integration. It also highlights the urgent need for a different approach to community integration by the Government – one which asks the country as a whole to treat each other with more respect, kindness and solidarity and which supports those efforts.
Michael Darragh Macauley, CEO of Sanctuary Runners said: “Ireland is at its best when we come together as one. The rise in unprovoked attacks in recent times has been nothing less than shameful. We in the Sanctuary Runners are here today to stand in peaceful solidarity with all our migrant friends and families around the country who bring so much to the essence of what makes this country special.” The event was supported by the Indian Irish Society (IIS), Africa Centre, Waterford Indian Sangam – Ireland, and the Desi Community Against Racism, all united in calling for dignity, respect, and justice for Ireland’s migrant population.
