‘I don’t want to leave’: Vulnerable Ukrainians protest over plans for relocation

A group of Ukrainian children and vulnerable adults staged a protest outside an EU conference on children's rights in Dublin on Thursday, expressing fear and distress over proposed relocation plans. About 20 individuals, including several children and adults with special needs, gathered near Dublin Castle to oppose being moved from their current residence at Citywest, a designated international protection accommodation center. They were informed they must vacate the premises by September 18th, with alternatives located in Kill, Punchestown, Co Kildare, Co Offaly, or Dundalk, Co Louth. Despite letters sent in June and July urging them to apply for relocation by July 17th, many at the protest claimed they had not submitted applications, citing reluctance to leave their familiar surroundings. Tannya Trofimova, a 29-year-old woman who is blind, described herself as “happy” and “used to living” in Citywest. She emphasized that she had become accustomed to the environment and felt secure there with her 10-year-old son, Anton. Anton, whose vision is worsening and who requires regular medical attention, expressed his desire to remain in his current home. “I don’t want to leave,” he said, highlighting his attachment to his school and the proximity of medical facilities. Tannya added that Anton’s condition necessitates frequent visits to a clinic, which would be difficult to access from the proposed new locations. Viktoriia Danylevska, a 38-year-old undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Mater hospital in Dublin, lived in Citywest with her 69-year-old mother. She expressed confusion and frustration over the decision to relocate, stating, “We are feeling very bad about what is happening.” For Viktoriia, staying in Dublin is crucial due to her ongoing health treatments, and she questioned the rationale behind the relocation plan. Denys Hieniievskyi, a 25-year-old man living with an Irish host family, faced additional challenges. His hosts informed him that they would require his bedroom in November to accommodate their daughter. Although he has been offered relocation to one of the same four locations, Denys relies on crutches due to damaged joints and prefers to remain near the hospital and general practitioner he regularly visits. He admitted to feeling “very scared” but tried to manage his emotions, noting that the stress has made it difficult for him to sleep. Local Labour Party councillor Joanna Tuffy voiced concerns during the protest, calling on the Department of Justice to reconsider the relocation decisions. She urged the department to take a more compassionate approach and encouraged disability and immigrant support organizations to assist affected individuals. “These people need support,” she said, emphasizing the emotional and practical difficulties the relocated population faces. The Department of Justice has yet to provide a public response to the protests or the calls for reconsideration. As the deadline for relocation approaches, the situation continues to raise questions about the adequacy of support systems for vulnerable residents and the long-term implications of such large-scale relocations. The community remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached before the final date.