As the war in Ukraine enters its second year, growing more vicious and destructive with each passing day, it is increasingly clear that it is a war in which there are no winners (except the weapons industry) Continue reading “THIS CANNOT GO ON”
‘BRIGID’ CALLS FOR PEACE ON ST. BRIGID’S DAY
On February 1st, Brigid of Kildare joined members of the anti-war alliance StoP (Swords to Ploughshares) to deliver a St. Brigid Cross Continue reading “‘BRIGID’ CALLS FOR PEACE ON ST. BRIGID’S DAY”
Involvement of Ireland in Russian Weapons used in Ukraine is shameful
It comes as no surprise to Afri or to those involved in opposing Ireland’s involvement in the iniquitous arms industry that components made in Ireland have been found in weapons used by Russia in Ukraine. (Sunday Times – Jan 15th)
This discovery implicates Irish manufacturers and Irish workers in the appalling suffering of women, children and men in Ukraine. Continue reading “Involvement of Ireland in Russian Weapons used in Ukraine is shameful”
Louie Bennett Commemoration
Attendees at the Louie Benett event in St Stephens Green sitting on the curved commemorative bench, originally unveiled in her honour in 1958. Continue reading “Louie Bennett Commemoration”
Taoiseach Sups with NATO Ignoring the Will of the Irish People
Afri deplores Micheál Martin’s eagerness to sup with NATO, a nuclear alliance, at the recent summit in Madrid. An Taoiseach insists that it is necessary to join in such ‘conversations’ with the high and mighty, while dithering about the right moment to engage with the Irish people at last on defence policy.
This is merely the latest stage in a process of furtive acquiescence in NATO-inspired EU militarisation. Continue reading “Taoiseach Sups with NATO Ignoring the Will of the Irish People”
Afri Hedge School 2018
Contributions from Donal O’Kelly – ‘Welcome the Stranger’; Emmet Sheerin (Trocáire) ‘Student Activism – A Success Story’ and 3rd year Community and Youth Development students in I.T. Blanchardstown.
Free entry to all – donations welcome to cover costs. Lunch and tea/coffee is provided.
To register go to https://www.eventbrite.ie
Derry’s First Famine Walk

Around thirty people gathered at the Guild Hall on Friday, July 31st 2015 to take part in Derry’s first Famine walk.
Deputy Mayor of Derry city and Strabane District council, Thomas Kerrigan of the DUP officially launched the walk which was also addressed by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. Helen Henderson, director of St. Columb’s Park House, spoke about the importance of the walk and the danger of history repeating itself. She warned especially about the dangers of TTIP – the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, a series of trade negotiations being carried out mostly in secret between the EU and US. TTIP is about reducing the regulatory barriers to trade for big business, regarding things like food safety law, environmental legislation, banking regulations and the sovereign powers of individual nations and has been described as “an assault on European and US societies by transnational corporations.”
Following the opening speeches, walkers proceeded from Guildhall Square across the Peace Bridge to the Londonderry Poor Law Union Workhouse, located on Glendermott Road, the Waterside. First opened in 1840, Derry’s workhouse didn’t close its doors until 1948. The Walk had been called “The Longest Walk”, referring to the 13 steps to the workhouse master’s quarters that starving families once had to climb to ask for admittance. Continue reading “Derry’s First Famine Walk”
Peace and Neutrality: International and National Perspectives

“Making peace by making war is what we are trying to do – but it doesn’t work”, stated Edward Horgan, former commandant in the Irish Defence Forces and Shannonwatch spokesperson as he addressed the public meeting on ‘Peace and Neutrality: International and National Perspectives’. Peace can only be achieved by positive neutrality.
One country which has pursued the path of positive neutrality is a country with approximately the same population as Ireland: Costa Rica. Costa Rica disbanded their army in the 1940s and the President at that time, Jose Figueras, declared that the military budget would be used on healthcare and education instead. Figueras believed it was pointless for a country the size of Costa Rica to have an army as it would never be able to compete with a larger country. Costa Rica has since become renowned for its neutrality and peaceful stance in foreign affairs.
Continue reading “Peace and Neutrality: International and National Perspectives”
Peace & Neutrality: International and National Perspectives
Peace & Neutrality: International and National Perspectives
Public Meeting
Thursday February 19th at 8pm
Wynn’s Hotel, Dublin 1
Speakers:
Roberto Zamora – Independent Attorney from Costa Rica, who has challenged the Costa Rican government on breaches of neutrality under their Constitution and won
Carol Fox – Peace and Neutrality Alliance
Chair:
Andy Storey – Afri
Organised by Afri – For more details contact admin@afri.ie / ph. 01 8827563