Niamh Brennan was among the dozens of people who gathered at Letterkenny’s Market Square to show solidarity with those caught up in the violence.

 Similar vigils were held in Cork and in Dublin in a bid to highlight the charity’s commitment to human rights and values globally.

Niamh Brennan, who was accompanied by her daughter Elena who was born in Russia, said that as the crisis grows, people should do what they can to welcome fleeing refugees.

“For us it is close to home because we were in Russia ten years ago and we met some lovely people who helped us. It’s very hard and it’s hard to work out how to talk to your daughter about what is happening.

“But I think everyone needs to consider what they can do to help because I’m sure there will be refugees coming to Letterkenny.

“I would ask that they be welcomed in communities, in schools, in the town. Make them feel welcome and importantly, make them feel safe,” Ms Brennan added.

Fellow Amnesty and human rights campaigner Breege Doherty said that refugees, as has been shown time and again, have much to offer Irish society.

Ms Doherty said, “They have so much to bring us and so much to offer, as do all refugees.

“It’s a really difficult situation they are in and I feel it is our duty as Irish citizens to provide them with any help and security we can.”

Also in attendance was long-time Amnesty member Anna Daly. She said there were parallels to be drawn between what Irish people went through in the past in terms of seeking shelter in foreign lands and what Ukranians are facing now.

“We are very concerned about what is happening in Ukraine,” Ms Daly said.

“The images coming out of the country have been very disturbing, particularly those of the hospital that was targeted.”