About

Are we human?
is a compelling collection of stories that shine a light on the experiences of individuals who have sought refuge in Ireland. Written by Melanie Martin and Leah O'Shaughnessy, Are We Human? not only captures the stories of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants but also highlights the compassion of Irish strangers who selflessly help those in need. The book offers a snapshot of human rights issues faced by people and invites readers to pause and reflect on the humanity and value of every human life, regardless of borders. War, displacement, and violence are not choices people make, they are tragedies that happen to innocent individuals. The book aims to foster empathy, understanding, and social justice through the powerful narratives of resilience, hope, and human rights.








The book highlights the stories of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants from Palestine, Iran, Zimbabwe, Ukraine, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Congo, Angola, Nigeria, Sudan, Lesotho and Ghana.
Typically, each story recounts the personal struggle and journey of the narrator while giving a background to the political situation in their home country. Are We Human? empowers each contributor to share their story in their own way. Collected through a series of interviews and transcribed, each narrative is a personal recollection, told within the boundaries set by the contributor. This approach respects their right to share their story as they choose.










Melanie Martin and Leah O’ Shaughnessy both work as second-level teachers. They co-authored Resilience and Me and are passionate about helping others through education, activism and advocacy.
The Publishers
Published by the Examcraft Group, an educational publishing company that specialises in producing high-quality educational resources, including textbooks and exam preparation materials. This book reflects their broader mission to promote social justice through powerful storytelling and educational initiatives.
Are we human? is being distributed to retailers through Gill Distribution.
Join Are We Human? authors Melanie Martin and Leah O’Shaughnessy for an engaging 60-90 minute discussion tailored for your shop, company, or community group. Drawing from their experiences meeting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants, they’ll share powerful stories that inspire empathy and human connection.
As an added option, you can invite some of those who shared their stories to participate in the conversation, enriching the dialogue with their first-hand perspectives.