The Refugee Information Service (RIS) today called on public and private sector organisations to ensure that locally-based forums and partnerships commit to implementing integration initiatives and structures to ensure that migrants and Irish people better integrate.
The Director of the RIS, Josephine Ahern also said that creating such forums is particularly important during periods such as this when the economic downturn is affecting people and their communities so adversely and when people from migrant backgrounds have already committed to making Ireland their home.
The Director also cited the recent publication by Irish Rural Link, Reaching Out: Supporting the Integration of Non-Irish Nationals in Rural Ireland which found that more than half the migrants in rural Ireland today are here to stay, and despite their experiences of loneliness and isolation. The report also said the immigration experience in Ireland is not transitory and that diversity is here to stay.
‘Migrants, particularly refugees and asylum seekers need to be reassured that their rights and entitlements will be safeguarded at this time and that those who have invested in this country in terms of education, employment, mortgage, tax, friendship and association are given the opportunity to feel a part of Ireland’, Ms. Ahern said.
The Refugee Information Service (RIS) specialises in the areas of international protection and the integration of migrants in Ireland. It provides specialist information, advice, advocacy and referral services for people who seek asylum and refugee status in Ireland. Operational since 1998, the RIS works with individuals and families, and with government, private sector, international and other non-government agencies to ensure that once a person has refugee status, they are able to access their legal rights and entitlements, including reunification with their families. The RIS also provides a nationwide training service and conducts research to influence policy and legislation.