Echoes of 2004
Documentary explores long-term impact of the Citizenship Referendum more than two-decades later.
‘Echoes of 2004’ is a powerful reminder of the long shadow which has been cast by the Citizenship Referendum and the continuing impact it has more than two-decades later. Moninne Griffith of Community Foundation Ireland reflects on the partnership which led to this powerful documentary.
Partnership
Community Foundation Ireland is proud to partner with an incredible production which should be essential viewing for all who share our mission of equality – and all who have a passion for human rights.
The most compelling voices are of course those of the young people.
They capture the true lived experience of navigating legal uncertainty and the consequences in terms of acceptance, belonging and identity.
It is of course extreme difficulty to grow up with friends in school, college and then work knowing that you are seen in the eyes of the law as different, without the same rights, protections and entitlements.
That someone who grows up in our society with Ireland as their home is confronted with legal barriers to assert and enjoy that identity is an affront to rights which the rest of us take for granted.
Indeed, many Irish people offended and concerned by recent events in the United States are unaware that our neighbours, friends and colleagues can face similar challenges here.
That birth here does not bestow citizenship will come as a surprise to many who were shocked when the Trump administration sought to take similar steps in January of last year. Little do they know it is a right we scrapped over 20-years ago.
Policy
At Community Foundation Ireland we work with philanthropists, supporters and 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable partners to achieve equality for all – in communities which are thriving.
The people we work with show ambition, courage and leadership. They are not content to be constantly firefighting or campaigning on an issue. They want answers. They want solutions.
Stantorch Productions with this work by Stanley Aguzie and Dr Ebun Joseph not only capture the issue and the discrimination – but they also show us a way forward.
The call for a child centred pathway to citizenship for those born and raised in our country is not only practical, it is a significant step forward to honouring our obligations as a society on child protection, equality and human rights.
The call for a comprehensive review examining the long-term impact of the law recognises that achieving that goal may take time – but it is a journey we should embark upon without delay.
Indeed, this production and the shadow of the referendum is a reminder to all of us that rights so hard fought for can be so easily taken away – in this case with the stroke of a pen on a ballot paper.
Seeking to reverse or at the very least to review that decision is not only the right thing to do – it also is a progressive step going against the current global tide of division and polarisation.
We should see this an opportunity to show our values, our belief in equality and fairness and to correct injustices when they occur.
With Ireland about to assume the Presidency of the EU a review now would have a platform where it will not only offer hope here at home – but to those elsewhere who are also facing discrimination.
Children
Children and the rights of the child are expected to be central to the EU Presidency.
Indeed, it has been long recognised that with a Senior Minister for Children as well as an Ombudsman for Children that we have in the past shown leadership in this area.
Yet there are many areas where we fall short.
At the Community Foundation we are keenly aware that quarter of a million of our children are living in the shadow of deprivation, that traveller children face systemic discrimination in the classroom, that the voices of division are getting louder and bolder in attacking migrant and LGBTQI families.
The denial of citizenship and the legal barriers put in front of those born to non-Irish parents is also part of that list where we as a country are falling significantly short.
We are only entitled to the bold claim to be a child centred country when all our children are truly treated equally.
Moninne Griffith is Director of Social Impact, Grants and Donor Care at Community Foundation Ireland.
Watch the Trailer
Get a flavour of the documentary with the Official Trailer.
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