In this episode, Ciara Regan speaks with social justice and human rights activist Caoimhe Butterly about the essential role of hope, reflection, and rest in sustaining activism. At the time of recording, Caoimhe was based on the island of Lesvos, Greece – a critical point on the migratory journey for tens of thousands seeking refuge and international protection.
Caoimhe reflects on the harsh realities of life in refugee camps, describing the disempowering limbo experienced by so many. Caoimhe also chats about solidarity work and the trial of rescue workers including Seán Binder for their efforts to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean.
Drawing on her experience running psychosocial workshops and supporting humanitarian efforts, Caoimhe highlights often-overlooked stories of resilience and solidarity within refugee communities. She explains that migrants are too often framed in ways that strip them of agency, portraying them as powerless victims.
Instead, she advocates for a shift towards representation that respects their dignity, strength, and capacity for mutual care.
Throughout the episode, Ciara and Caoimhe return to the importance of taking stock and recognising progress. For all the challenges posed by conflict, climate change, and political violence, it is vital to acknowledge the profound work being done at local and systemic levels to build communities of care, equality, and rights. In this, Caoimhe offers a poignant reminder that activism does not need to be fast-paced to be effective:
“It’s OK in this work to be low and slow… rest is revolutionary.”
Check out more episodes in the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects series or subscribe.
Credits
- Check out more episodes in the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects series or subscribe.
Adapt, use, remix the 10 kick-starter activities based on the exhibition
The Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects podcast is hosted by Ciara Regan.
This episode was produced by Dylan Creane and Tony Daly. Music by Jump Lead.
Brought to you by developmenteducation.ie and supported by Irish Aid
Show notes:
- This episode was recorded on the margins of the rescue workers trial in Greece.
- News report: Irish man Seán Binder faces 25 years in prison in Greece for helping rescue migrants from the Mediterranean, The Irish Independent (Nov 2021)
- Greece drops espionage charges against Seán Binder, RTÉ News (Jan 13, 2023)
A number of objects from the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects exhibition relate to the topics discussed in this episode:
- Refugees Welcome: Unions Say No to Racism
- A Family’s Journey to Refuge
- Boats at Sea
- Charon’s Boats, XR
- Lifejackets
Teacher resources on developmenteducation.ie
- Mythbuster: 10 Myths About Migration & Refugees
- Post primary & youth resource: Global Rights, Noble Goals: Refugees, Migration, The Sustainable Development Goals And Youth
- Primary resource: Journeys: A Teachers Handbook for Exploring Migration and Migrant Rights in the Primary Classroom
Explore Caoimhe Butterly's short film series about the lives of refugees
Available on
