There are currently just over nine and a half thousand refugees living in Ireland; a small figure comparatively with the rest of Europe.
Monday 20th June is International Refugee Day as set out by the United Nations.
Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre said “Refugees leave their country as a matter of necessity, fleeing persecution, leaving everything they’ve known and worked for behind”.
“We would like to take this opportunity to focus on the positive contributions refugees, and their children make to Irish society, and celebrate this fact.”
“Ireland is lucky to have one of the best educated immigrant populations in Europe. However our latest study, the Annual Monitoring Report on Integration 2010, indicates that people with refugee status face significant integration-related challenges, particularly in relation to employment.”
“Our experience in working with clients face-to-face has shown us that the length of time spent waiting for permission to work when going through the asylum system becomes a de-motivating factor in itself, and leads to the de-skilling of often highly skilled individuals.”
“Despite this, often against all odds, refugees contribute to Irish society in numerous ways, bringing new ways of thinking, and a variety of talents to Ireland.”
Ukachukwu Okorie Olumo, pictured above, came to Ireland in 2005 from Nigeria. He has a Masters in Globalization from Dublin City University, is a poet, columnist and has authored six books including In the Jungles of Europe and Nigeria Weeps. His writing deals with crucial issues such as politics, unionism and society. He is also the publisher of the Africaworld newspaper which was launched in May.
In Nigeria Ukachukwu became involved in political protest through student pressure groups and NGO activity, which became one of the reasons prompting him to leave Nigeria.
Ahmed Avtarhanov, from Chechnya, and Mohammed Shuaib Korumtalee, from Mauritius, both aged 11 attend Clonburris National School in Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Ahmed has been living in Ireland since he was seven, whereas Mohammed only came into the country last year, both live here due to the protection system.
These young students took it upon themselves to spread an important message “A bright future is in our hands”, through their project on the millennium development goals for which they produced a book and wrote a song. They were chosen out of the 700 schools that participated as winners of the World Irish Aid Award.
They are also to be awarded another award on Monday 20th June by Trocaire, the Better World award 2011, which formed part of Trocaire's Lenten campaign.
The students’ success in these projects shows that they have not only settled in well in the Irish school system but also a commendable desire to help others.
Mr Forde said “it is all too easy for the media and general discourse to rely on ingrained negative stereotypes; however refugees make many important and tangible contributions to Irish society, a fact that I hope will gain greater recognition in the future.
-Ends-
Contact: Helena Clarke on 01 645 3088 / 087-6325138; 1st and 2nd Floors, 18 Dame Street Dublin 2,
helena.clarke@integrationcentre.ie,
www.integrationcentre.ie
Note
Photo's to accompany this press release are available on request and will also be sent to picture editor's for each paper on Sunday 19/06/2011
The Integration Centre is committed to the integration and inclusion of people from immigrant backgrounds in Ireland. The Centre specialises in planning, monitoring and advocacy at city, local, national and international levels, and it also provides regionalized information, advice and training services. Evidence-based research influences positive change in legislation, policy and practice. We have more than 250 affiliated organisations as part of our network.