DOCSLIB.ORG

TOWARDS a NEW BEGINNING Refugee Integration in Ireland

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
TOWARDS a NEW BEGINNING Refugee Integration in Ireland TOWARDS A NEW BEGINNING Refugee Integration in Ireland EU funded study on factors influencing December 2013 refugee integration TOWARDS A NEW BEGINNING Refugee Integration in Ireland EU funded study on factors influencing refugee integration © United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Ireland, December 2013 European Refugee This document is for general distribution. All rights reserved. Fund of the European Reproductions and translations are authorised, except for Commission commercial purpose, provided the source is acknowledged. Cover Photo: A Karen refugee in Co Mayo, Ireland. In 2008, over 100 members of the Myanmar ethnic group were resettled in Co Mayo, on the West Coast of Ireland. © Phil Behan/UNHCR Layout & design: BakOS DESIGN Acknowledgements This project has been financially supported by the European Refugee Fund of the European Commission. This research was coordinated by UNHCR’s Bureau for Europe (Policy and Legal Support Unit, Emilie Wiinblad) and Project Coordinator (consultant) Gail Hopkins. Research and report writing in Ireland was conducted by Diana Gouveia under the Supervision of UNHCR Ireland’s Head of Office, Sophie Magennis and with the assistance of UNHCR Ireland staff including Jody Clarke, Lorna Cronnelly and Aileen Lee. Particular thanks go to the National Reference Group for their advice and direction to the project and to stakeholders who took time to meet us and share their valuable experience and insight to the challenges and opportunities for refugee integration. Special thanks are owed to those who helped organise group meetings with refugees, for their hands-on approach and generosity. Thank you also to the Royal Irish Academy for providing us with a beautiful room to facilitate the stakeholder group meetings. UNHCR also expresses its sincere gratitude to the 71 refugees who were interviewed in this project and spoke about their personal stories and integration experiences. To every single one of them goes our deepest and heartfelt thanks. Appreciation is also extended to other government officials, representatives from non-governmental organisations, interpreters and academics who provided information and comments in the course of this research. 4 Towards A New Beginning: Refugee Integration in Ireland Table of Contents Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................... 4 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................... 6 CHAPTER 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................. 8 1.1 Rationale for undertaking the study ........................................................................................ 8 1.2 National context – Ireland ....................................................................................................... 9 1.3 Aims of the study .................................................................................................................... 9 1.4 Definition of integration ......................................................................................................... 10 1.5 Report structure .................................................................................................................... 11 CHAPTER 2: Methodology .............................................................................................................. 12 2.1 Participating Countries .......................................................................................................... 12 2.2 Gathering Data ...................................................................................................................... 12 2.3 Desk Research ...................................................................................................................... 13 2.4 Consultations ........................................................................................................................ 13 2.5 Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 15 2.6 Bias ....................................................................................................................................... 15 2.7 Ethics ..................................................................................................................................... 16 CHAPTER 3: Literature Review ...................................................................................................... 18 3.1 Statistical background on the refugee population ................................................................ 18 3.2 Background on Integration Policy ......................................................................................... 19 3.3 Health .................................................................................................................................... 21 3.4 Family Reunification .............................................................................................................. 23 3.5 Housing ................................................................................................................................. 25 3.6 Education .............................................................................................................................. 27 3.7 Social Inclusion ..................................................................................................................... 28 3.8 Political and Civic Participation ............................................................................................. 31 3.9 Employment .......................................................................................................................... 33 CHAPTER 4: Empirical Sections .................................................................................................... 36 4.1 Active Citizenship .................................................................................................................. 37 4.2 Housing ................................................................................................................................. 42 4.3 Employment .......................................................................................................................... 46 4.4 Access to Information ........................................................................................................... 52 4.5 Social Inclusion ..................................................................................................................... 57 CHAPTER 5: Conclusions and Recommendations ...................................................................... 62 ANNEX 1 ............................................................................................................................................ 70 ANNEX 2 ............................................................................................................................................ 70 ANNEX 3 ............................................................................................................................................ 71 ANNEX 4 ............................................................................................................................................ 71 Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................... 72 UNHCR Research 2012/2013 5 Executive Summary The rapid change in migration trends in Ireland in the past 20 years, from being a country where people traditionally emigrated from, to a country that received migrants, presented challenges and opportunities for refugee integration. In Ireland, a mainstream approach to the provision of services to refugees and other migrants has been taken. Intercultural strategies for wider migrant integration have been adopted by different government departments and specific strategies for the integration of refugees have been drawn up. However, the measurement and evaluation of those strategies remain unclear. This research draws on a process of consultation with refugees and stakeholders, and on existing literature, and identifies policy areas which have been suggested by refugees and stakeholders as relevant and sometimes critical for the integration of refugees in Ireland. The study highlights Active Citizenship, Housing, Employment, Access to Information, and Social Inclusion as significant policy areas in the Irish context. English language was addressed as an overarching topic as it was reported to impact on all spheres of refugees’ lives. The recommendations proposed aim to aid policy-makers when drawing up refugee-specific integration strategies, their measurement and their evaluation. The following areas were identified as relevant for the measurement of integration. Active citizenship was identified by refugees and stakeholders, and in existing literature as important for integration, and was addressed in this study through three different domains: media, volunteering, and political participation. Refugees highlighted that public perceptions influence their prospects of meaningful integration, and suggested that their representation in media outlets is indicative of levels of integration. Refugees’ previous experiences of flight, and initial reception conditions in Ireland
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Country Report: Ireland
    Country Report: Ireland 2020 Update 1 Acknowledgements & Methodology The first edition of this report was written by Sharon Waters, Communications and Public Affairs Officer with the Irish Refugee Council and was edited by ECRE. The first and second updates of this report were written by Nick Henderson, Legal Officer at the Irish Refugee Council Independent Law Centre. The third and fourth updates were written by Maria Hennessy, Legal Officer at the Irish Refugee Council Independent Law Centre. The 2017 update was written by Luke Hamilton, Legal Officer with the Irish Refugee Council Independent Law Centre. The 2018 update was written by Luke Hamilton, Legal Officer with the Irish Refugee Council Independent Law Centre and Rosemary Hennigan, Policy and Advocacy Officer with the Irish Refugee Council. The 2019 update was written by Luke Hamilton, Legal Officer with the Irish Refugee Council Independent Law Centre and Rosemary Hennigan, Policy and Advocacy Officer with the Irish Refugee Council. The 2020 update was written by Nick Henderson and Brian Collins, with the assistance of Carmen del Prado. The 2021 update was written by Nick Henderson and Hayley Dowling. This report draws on information obtained through a mixture of desk-based research and direct correspondence with relevant agencies, and information obtained through the Irish Refugee Council’s own casework and policy work. Of particular relevance throughout were the latest up to date statistics from the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), including their annual and monthly reports; data from the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT); as well as various reports and statements from stakeholders such as the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, UNHCR Ireland and NGOs working on the ground with refugees and asylum seekers.
    [Show full text]
  • Perceptions of Migrants and Their Impact on the Blanchardstown Area: Local Views
    Perceptions of Migrants and their Impact on the Blanchardstown area: Local Views February 2009 Bríd Ní Chonaill A report funded by the Irish Research Council in Humanities and Social Science Acknowledgements I would like to thank the Irish Research Council in Humanities and Social Science for funding this research project. I would also like to sincerely thank all of those who were interviewed for this study, who gave up their time and shared their experiences and stories with me. Thank you to Ronit Lentin for her insightful comments and feedback and to Ruth Harris for her support and input into this piece of work. I would also like to thank personnel from local agencies and organisations who aided in recruiting participants and who contributed to the recommendations particularly, Felix Gallagher and Monica Shannon of the Corduff CDP, Susan Fox and Jean Clifford of Blakestown CDP and Howard Rose of the ESOL section of the Blanchardstown Adult Education Service. I am also grateful to Conor Ryan of the Blanchardstown Area Partnership for his advice. Finally, I would also like to thank some of the ITB staff, including Olive McGivern and Úna Smyth for their administrative support, and also Mairéad Murphy, Rachel Dockrell and Bronagh Eliott for their assistance throughout the research process. ii Table of Contents Acknowledgements ii Executive Summary iv Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Chapter 2: Methodology 14 Chapter 3: Economic Issues 20 Chapter 4: Issues regarding Identity 48 Chapter 5: Colour as a marker of difference 71 Chapter 6: Conclusion 87 References 96 iii Executive Summary Introduction Migration is part of a global process and Ireland’s experience mirrors a pattern that is reflected across Europe and indeed the developed world.
    [Show full text]
  • ECRI REPORT on IRELAND (Fifth Monitoring Cycle)
    CRI(2019)18 ECRI REPORT ON IRELAND (fifth monitoring cycle) Adopted on 2 April 2019 Published on 4 June 2019 ECRI Secretariat Directorate General II - Democracy Council of Europe F - 67075 STRASBOURG Cedex Tel.: +33 (0) 390 21 46 62 E-mail: [email protected] www.coe.int/ecri ECRI REPORT ON IRELAND (fifth monitoring cycle) Adopted on 2 April 2019 Published on 4 June 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD ................................................................................................................ 7 SUMMARY ................................................................................................................... 9 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................... 11 I. COMMON TOPICS ......................................................................................... 11 1. LEGISLATION AGAINST RACISM AND RACIAL DISCRIMINATION ........................ 11 - PROTOCOL NO. 12 TO THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS ...... 11 - CRIMINAL LAW ........................................................................................... 11 - CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW ................................................................. 12 - EQUALITY BODIES ...................................................................................... 13 2. HATE SPEECH ........................................................................................... 14 - DATA ........................................................................................................ 14 - HATE SPEECH IN
    [Show full text]
  • A Local Study of the Needs of Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers
    Getting To Know You - A Local Study of the Needs of Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers in County Clare Getting To Know You - A Local Study of the Needs of Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers in County Clare Acknowledgements We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of all those who contributed to this report. Without the active participation, involvement and support given by members of immigrant communities it would have been impossible to document their experiences and perception of needs in relation to local and regional service delivery. A special word of thanks must go to the fieldworkers in the pilot research and teaching partnership project entitled ‘Public Service Rights and Discrimination’ in Ennis, and to Siobhan Ní Catháin and Filip Kwilinski for their assistance during the research. We are very grateful for the participation of the residents of Clare Lodge and of Knockalisheen, and of migrants who took time out to attend focus groups or to complete a questionnaire. Also we wish to thank service providers who kindly and enthusiastically shared their views and experiences. We also wish to acknowledge the assistance of Ennis CDP, HSE West, and members of the Inter-Agency Steering Group, for their participation in the research and their assistance with the preparation and coordination of focus groups. Many other people, who co-operated in the research and gave generously of their time and knowledge, must also be thanked. We are very grateful to all of the above for their assistance, and trust that their views are accurately
    [Show full text]
  • Dáil Éireann
    DÁIL ÉIREANN Dé Céadaoin, 3 Feabhra, 2021 Wednesday, 3rd February, 2021 CEISTEANNA QUESTIONS 7 DÁIL ÉIREANN 369 Dé Céadaoin, 3 Feabhra, 2021 Wednesday, 3rd February, 2021 CEISTEANNA LE hAGHAIDH FREAGRAÍ SCRÍOFA QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER Chun an Taoisigh: To the Taoiseach. *1. To ask the Taoiseach the number of contacts he has had with the Northern Ireland First Minister or Deputy First Minister since 1 January 2021; and the dates and nature of same. — Brendan Howlin. [4678/21] *2. To ask the Taoiseach the expected timeline for and order of citizens’ assemblies committed to in the Programme for Government. — Thomas Gould. [5207/21] *3. To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide a full list of the current Cabinet committees; the frequency of meetings for each; and the membership and function of each. — Cian O’Callaghan. [5869/21] *4. To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide a full list of the current functions, units and divisions within his Department. — Cian O’Callaghan. [5870/21] *5. To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide a list of pending publications from the NESC. — Cian O’Callaghan. [5871/21] Chun an Tánaiste agus Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta: To the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. *6. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration will be given to introducing a scheme similar to that devised by the Scottish Government to assist workers in the wedding industry sector (details supplied) whose incomes have been devastated by the lockdowns; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
    [Show full text]
  • Direct Provision
    Direct Provision: Framing an alternative reception system for people seeking international protection First Published 2013 by The Irish Refugee Council 2nd Floor, Ballast House, Aston Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel. +353 1 764 www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie ©2013. Irish Refugee Council Direct Provision: Framing an alternative reception system for people seeking international protection PAGE 4 Direct Provision: Framing an alternative reception system for people seeking international protection Direct Provision: Framing an alternative reception system for people seeking international protection PAGE 5 CONTENTS BACKGROUND 5 RECEPTION AS PART OF A SYSTEM FOR EXAMINING CLAIMS FOR INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION 7 THE INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORK 9 THE SYSTEM OF DIRECT PROVISION IN IRELAND 13 A COMMENT ON ‘THE VALUE FOR MONEY AND POLICY REVIEW: ASYLUM SEEKER ACCOMMODATION PROGRAMME’ 17 CRITICISMS OF THE DIRECT PROVISION SYSTEM 19 PROPOSALS FOR REFORM: A NEW RECEPTION SYSTEM FOR IRELAND 21 PAGE 6 Direct Provision: Framing an alternative reception system for people seeking international protection Direct Provision: Framing an alternative reception system for people seeking international protection PAGE 7 BACKGROUND In November 1999, a government decision was taken to establish a central directorate “to deal with matters relating to the dispersal of asylum seekers throughout the country and preparation of plans for a system of direct provision of housing, health needs etc.“1 The decision that the state would provide directly for the needs of asylum seekers2 has given rise to a system that has become known as ‘Direct Provision’: full board and lodging with a nominal personal allowance in centres funded by the state but run (and largely owned) by private companies and dispersal on a ‘no choice’ basis around the country.
    [Show full text]
  • The Grassroots Pro-Asylum Seeker Movement in the Republic of Ireland: A
    The Grassroots Pro-Asylum Seeker Movement in the Republic of Ireland: A Social Movement Perspective. A thesis submitted by Niall Moran In fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy The National University of Ireland, Maynooth Department of Sociology, 2011. Head of Department: Dr. Jane Gray. Supervisor: Prof. Seán Ó’Riain. Table of Contents: Summary of Contents v Acknowledgements vi List of Tables and Charts vii Acronyms viii Introduction 1 Chapter One: Literature Review 1.1 Introduction 18 1.2 Key Directions in Social Movement Theorising 20 1.3 Touraine and Historicity 25 1.4 Collective Identity 30 1.5 The Subject as Social Movement 39 1.6 Touraine’s Sociology: A Critical Assessment 46 1.7 Racism and Anti-Racism 52 1.8 The Movement Through Different Lenses 64 1.8.1 RMT and the Grassroots Pro-Asylum Seeker Movement 65 1.8.2 CBT and the Grassroots Pro-Asylum Seeker Movement 67 1.8.3 NSM and the Grassroots Pro-Asylum Seeker Movement 70 1.9 Conclusion 73 Chapter Two – Social Research Methods 2.1 Introduction 76 2.2 Key Questions 77 2.3 In an Ideal World: Touraine’s Sociological Intervention 79 2.4 The Real World: A Qualitative Research Process 82 2.5 Methods and Practice 86 2.6 Locating the Research(er) in the Research 96 2.7 Generalisability and Qualitative Social Research 102 2.8 Constructing a Narrative of the Grassroots Pro-Asylum Seeker Movement 110 2.8 Origins and Descriptions of the Sample 117 2.9 Conclusion 122 Chapter Three: A Narrative of the Grassroots Pro-Asylum Seeker Movement 3.1 Introduction 125 3.2
    [Show full text]
  • Online First in Corso Di Pubblicazione in Biolaw Journal
    Online First In corso di pubblicazione in BioLaw Journal AGAINST IDEOLOGY? EXAMINING SOCIAL RIGHTS IN IRELAND DURING TIMES OF CRISIS Charles O’Sullivan∗ *** 11 April 2020 *** 1. Introduction The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised significant questions from not only a public health dimension in attempting to stem the spread of the virus, but also from a social rights perspective, and attempting to deal with the social and economic realities of the fallout from the same. With this in mind, this brief contribution seeks to examine the specific response by the executive in the Republic of Ireland from March 2020 onwards, and tease out how it has sought to ameliorate a crisis such as this through redistributive social policies, and the reinforcement and development of social rights. In particular, it underlines how certain social rights-based policies during this time differ from the ideological policies and institutional attitudes prior to this time. In doing so, it aims to underline the degree to which the Irish executive has, on the one hand, signalled a clear break from previous long-standing policies, and on the other, how it might fail to address other long standing issues. It will be structured as follows. Following this brief introduction, Section Two will examine the general response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the creation of one new targeted payment and the opening up of others. A third section will then highlight the specific issues related to asylum seekers, the material reception conditions within which they are house and access to the so-called COVID-19 emergency payment.
    [Show full text]
  • Working Group to Report to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, Including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers
    Working Group on the Protection Process Working Group to Report to Government i on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers Final Report June 2015 Working Group on the Protection Process ii Working Group to Report to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers Final Report June 2015 Working Group on the Protection Process 2 ABBREVIATIONS AMIF Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund AVR Assisted voluntary return CEAS Common European Asylum System CJEU Court of Justice of the European Union CRC UN Convention on the Rights of the Child DO Deportation order DP Direct Provision EASO European Asylum Support Office EEA European Economic Area ENP Exceptional needs payment ECHR European Convention on Human Rights GNIB Garda National Immigration Bureau HSE Health Service Executive INIS Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service IOM International Organization for Migration IPAT International Protection Appeals Tribunal JR Judicial review LAB Legal Aid Board LTR Leave to remain ORAC Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner PTR Permission to remain PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder RAT Refugee Appeals Tribunal RIA Reception and Integration Agency SP Subsidiary protection SWA Supplementary Welfare Allowance TEC Treaty establishing the European Community TFEU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Working Group on the Protection Process 3 GLOSSARY Asylum seeker A person who has made an application for refugee and/or subsidiary protection status. For the purposes of this report the term “protection applicant” is used unless the context requires otherwise. Communal kitchen A kitchen that may be used by residents for cooking their meals using supplies provided by the centre management.
    [Show full text]
  • Protection with Dignity: Roadmap to System Change
    Protection with Dignity: Roadmap to System Change June 2020 About JRS Ireland JRS Ireland is an NGO with a mission to accompany, advocate, and serve the causes of asylum seekers, refugees and forced migrants in Ireland. It is the national office of the Jesuit Refugee Service, an international NGO founded in 1980 and present in more than 50 countries worldwide assisting forcibly displaced persons in refugee camps, urban settings, reception centres and places of detention. In 2019 JRS provided support to 675,000 forcibly displaced persons globally. JRS Ireland works principally in the areas of: • Asylum Seeker Support: providing support to persons seeking asylum through direct outreach, language classes, educational and psychosocial support. • Integration: supporting education, training, employment and access to housing. • Detention: visiting immigration detainees and advocating for more just detention policies. • Advocacy: lobbying for fairer immigration and asylum systems through lobbying. Since 2007 JRS has provided outreach and support to persons residing in Direct Provision. JRS deliver services and supports to residents in 12 Direct Provision centres and 20 Emergency Accommodation locations. Flagship projects delivered include the Fáilte project in Balseskin, the transition housing support project PATHS run in partnership with the Peter McVerry Trust and the JRS Europe Change project. JRS Ireland assists 50 asylum seekers annually to access further education and training at FETAC Level 5 and 6 through its Education Fund. Recently, a confidential National Freephone Helpline, run by JRS Ireland, was established to support residents in 85 IPAS accommodation centres. In 2014, JRS Ireland was appointed to the McMahon Working Group and chaired the Finance Sub Group.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecri Report on Ireland
    CRI(2013)1 ECRI REPORT ON IRELAND (fourth monitoring cycle) Adopted on 5 December 2012 Published on 19 February 2013 ECRI Secretariat Directorate General II - Democracy Council of Europe F-67075 STRASBOURG Cedex Tel.: + 33 (0) 388 41 29 64 Fax: + 33 (0) 388 41 39 87 E-mail: [email protected] www.coe.int/ecri TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD ................................................................................................................ 5 SUMMARY ................................................................................................................... 7 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................................... 9 I. EXISTENCE AND APPLICATION OF LEGAL PROVISIONS .......................... 9 INTERNATIONAL LEGAL INSTRUMENTS ................................................................... 9 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS ........................................................................... 10 CRIMINAL LAW PROVISIONS ................................................................................ 11 CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW PROVISIONS ...................................................... 13 ANTI-DISCRIMINATION BODIES AND POLICIES ....................................................... 14 - EQUALITY TRIBUNAL .................................................................................. 14 - EQUALITY AUTHORITY ............................................................................... 15 - HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ....................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Submission to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on the List of Themes for the Examination of Ireland on Its Combined 5Th to 9Th Report
    Submission to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on the List of Themes for the Examination of Ireland on its Combined 5th to 9th Report July 2019 Submission to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on the List of Themes for the examination of Ireland on its Combined 5th to 9th Report Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission July 2019 16 – 22 Green Street, Dublin 7, D07 CR20 T (01) 858 9601 | E [email protected] | www.ihrec.ie Contents Contents 2 1. Introduction 3 Domestic incorporation and reservations (Article 20.3) 3 2. Everyday Reality of Racism and Discrimination (Articles 2, 5, 7) 4 3. Participation in Public Life (Article 1) 6 4. Hate Crime and Hate Speech (Articles 2, 4, 5, 7) 7 5. Access to Justice (Articles 2.1(c), 2.2, 5, 6) 8 Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland 8 Practice Direction 10 Interpretation services 10 Intoxicating Liquor Act 11 Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes 11 6. Traveller and Roma Communities (Articles 2, 5, 6, 7) 12 7. International Protection (Articles 2, 5) 14 Direct Provision 14 Family reunification (Articles 2, 5) 16 Access to the labour market for asylum seekers (Articles 2, 5(e)(i)) 17 Unaccompanied and separated children 18 Violence against women and domestic violence 19 8. Human Trafficking (Articles 2, 5(b)) 20 Fishing industry and Atypical Working Scheme 22 9. Human Rights Leadership 23 Promotion of women’s rights 23 Rescue and humanitarian missions 23 Business and human rights: State purchasing of Colombian coal 24 2 1.
    [Show full text]