People need education on asylum

Ex-Miss Ireland plea over refugees

- SIOBHAN O'CONNOR

FORMER Miss Ireland Pamela Uba has urged the Government to do more to educate communities about asylum seekers.

The South African-born model and actress spent 10 years in direct provision and is pleading with people to welcome refugees and not to fear them.

Pamela, 27, told the Irish Sunday Mirror: "I feel like a lot of people are not educated on what asylum seeking is and they don't know exactly what's going on.

"So then people don't know who's coming into their neighbourhoods, and they get afraid, I totally understand that.

"But I feel like the Government should do more to educate people. They need to do more to find better facilities to put people in.

"At the end of the day, I think integration is the best way forward, making sure everyone feels welcome within their communities.

Earlier this week, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it was not "realistic, legal or practical" for Ireland to no longer accept international protection applicants.