Les Allamby of the Law Centre has called this ‘a war of attrition’. It can include delays, difficulties with translation, and high levels of anxiety. People are expected to submit their application at the ‘first available possibility’, which is normally deemed to be on arrival at a port or airport. However, this is not always possible in Northern Ireland because Immigration Officers are not always stationed at the ports to record an application. A late claim may affect the credibility of the application and eligibility to receive financial support. Most people wishing to make a claim go to the Bryson One Stop Service (The Bryson service can fax the applications through to the local UK Border Agency Office, Drumkeen House, in South Belfast. Telephone: 0870 606 7766 Continue reading ‘The Asylum Process in N. Ireland’
Asylum
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‘Human beings are social animals. They depend on others. Their family, or extended family, is the group on which many people most heavily depend, socially, emotionally and often financially. There comes a point at which, for some, prolonged and unavoidable separation from this group seriously inhibits their ability to live full and fulfilling lives’.
Lord Bingham 2007.
Official Support for People Awarded Refugee Status
The Refugee Integration and Employment Service (RIES) is available for people over the age of 18, whose applications are successful. Locally, this is delivered by the Bryson One Stop Service which gives advice (including employment advice) and mentoring. Continue reading ‘Refugee Support and Community Integration’
The application process can be stressful. People may be scared of people in uniform, recalling traumatic events is difficult, and there is a fear of detention and return to the home country. Language difficulties may contribute to isolation for people who have lost all contact with friends and family. Pre-existing illnesses and injuries may be made worse by poverty, living conditions and climate. Enforced idleness makes hours of anxiety seem longer, and people can feel shame at living off the state, because most are not allowed to work during the application process. Many will experience harassment, racism and rejection. Cash support is quite basic so people can struggle to feed themselves. For some people it is even worse. At the beginning and end of the process there may be no support at all and people who are seeking sanctuary become destitute and have to rely on charity. Those who attempt to work illegally in the underground economy are likely to be exploited, in working hours and the conditions in which they live and work. Read more about these issues here.
- It is now much easier to report a racist incident, whether you are a victim or a witness.
- It is helpful if you can be prepared for an incident in your area.
- Undertake some anti-racism, migration awareness or diversity training. If you can get a number of church groups interested EMBRACE can arrange training for you. Contact us.
- Challenge casual racism.
Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Racial Justice
Inter-Cultural Insights:Christian Reflections on Racism, Hospitality and Identity from the Island of Ireland, edited by Scott Boldt, All Ireland Churches’ Consultative Meeting on Racism, Belfast 2007
Lion & Lamb, Racism and Religious Liberty, No 37 Autumn 2004
Materials for young people
BBC Northern Ireland Learning: citizenship resources on racism
Show Racism the Red Card the campaign that uses top footballers to educate against racism
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