Higgins: Scale 'of homelessness will overshadow the festive season’

President Michael D Higgins has used his annual Christmas message to highlight the plight of homelessness.

Mr Higgins spoke about the ongoing global refugee crisis and international affairs but made no reference to Brexit as he did last year.

“This Christmas, once again, the burden of homelessness will overshadow the festive season for those deprived of a secure and permanent shelter,” he said.

“May I thank those who work so tirelessly to support those in our society who are vulnerable. I have been fortunate to meet with so many groups and volunteers who have shone, and continue to shine, a light of hope into the lives of some of our most marginalised people,” he said.

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“Their work is an inspiring example and an uplifting reminder of the real will and capacity that exists among the people of Ireland, to re-imagine our society, and achieve an inclusive republic for all of our citizens,” he said.

Highlighting the international refugee crisis, President Higgins said 20 people are newly displaced every minute, forced to leave their homes and to seek refuge.

“It is important to reflect on the many millions of children, women and men around the world who are so far from the comfort and dignity of a home or secure shelter,” he said.

The message drew on similarities between the story of the birth of Christ with its themes of long difficult journeys and temporary homes.

“Christmas is a time when we can pause for reflection, as we look back on the year gone by. It is a time when it is surely appropriate to recall the story that lies at the heart of this festive season.

“That story is of a long and difficult journey, and the birth of a child, in a temporary home, in Bethlehem two thousand years ago,” he said.

President Higgins said wars, conflict, persecution, and natural disasters have forced more people to flee than at any other time since records began.

“Indeed, we have read of some of those fleeing being sold into slavery,” he said.

He also highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Rakhine State in Myanmar.

“Many hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh reminds us vividly of what some communities face on their long and difficult struggle to find a rightful place in a peaceful society,” he said.

Mr Higgins said he knew Irish citizens across the world would stand with those who are suffering and show solidarity with the most vulnerable.

“As a global community and as responsible global citizens, we are called upon to respond in a way which will respect the universal right to live in safety and with dignity,” he said.

He concluded his message by wishing everyone a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.