April 2010 e-bulletin
The Integration Centre is committed to the integration and inclusion of people from immigrant backgrounds in Ireland and its institutions and communities. The Centre specializes in planning, monitoring and advocacy at city, local, national and international levels and provides regionalized information, advice and training services. We conduct evidence-based research to influence positive changes in legislation, policy and practice and proactively engage with all sectors of society to achieve this. We have more than 250 affiliated organisations as part of our network.
If you would like to find out more about us or if you would like to support our work please contact: Wale Mogaji, Head of Communications & Integration, The Integration Centre, 1st & 2nd Floors, 18 Dame Street, Dublin 2, Ireland; Tel: +353 16453070; Fax: +353 1677 0061; wale.mogaji@integrationcentre.ie; www.integrationcentre.ie.
CONTENTS
• From the CEO
• Racism in Ireland: Ensuring an Irish NGO Voice at the UN
• The Integration Centre hosts visit by University of London students
• Immigration, Integration & Identity for Indians in Ireland
• European Citizens’ Initiative: Giving citizens new opportunities to influence EU policy
• France to toughen legislation on immigration in transposing EU legislation
• The Integration Centre endorses ECRE recommendations to the Ministerial Conference on Integration
• Events
• Jobs
• Advocacy & Information
From Josephine Ahern, CEO
This week has seen immigration policy as a lead issue debated between Labour Leader Gordon Brown, Conservative Party Leader David Cameron and Liberal Democratic Leader Nick Clegg in Britain’s first leadership election debates at the ITV studio in Manchester yesterday. Significant in this debate was the stance taken by all three leaders and the strong indication that tighter immigration control is viewed as positive and necessary. Also significant was the stance taken by Liberal Democratic Leader Nick Clegg who said there is “good immigration and bad immigration”. While this message is ambiguous to say the least, also missing from the debate was any real indication and leadership in relation to the substantial and positive contributions made by generations of immigrants living in the UK across economic, political, social and cultural spheres.
This myopic view of the world, particularly at the level of national leadership can and does contribute to a serious deficit in the understanding of diversity and the benefits it brings to a country and its citizens. Unfortunately we have seen just how traumatically this can unfold at community level with the appalling loss of life and recent death of Toyosi Shittabey, the 15 year old student who was killed just metres from his home in Tyrellstown, West Dublin on Friday 2nd April. Thousands of people turned out to commemorate Toyosi’s life at the peaceful rally organised by friends and associates of his family and representatives from the Tyrellstown community on 10th April. The rally was moving throughout and it was heartening to see so many people gather from Christian and Muslim faiths, trades unions, political parties, non-government and African organisations, all united in their message that racism and racist killings have no place in Ireland.
During his short life, Toyosi had already made a substantial contribution within his school and community, and particularly on the football field through membership of the Shelbourne Football Club. Clearly this tragedy marks a new watershed in Ireland’s history and in relation to the integration of immigrants in Irish communities. We simply cannot afford this senseless loss of life from any section of our community. More than ever we need to ensure that racism, discrimination and hate crime is taken seriously and that there is a clear process for reporting such issues to the authorities and that a monitoring mechanism is put in place so that all who live and work here feel a sense of safety and belonging. The Integration Centre, as part of its strategic direction for the coming years intends to keep a watching brief on this issue.
Racism in Ireland: Ensuring an Irish NGO Voice at the UN
Jipe Kelly, Regional Officer for The Integration Centre addressed a briefing seminar last Thursday, 15th April, to raise awareness about Ireland’s forthcoming examination under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) as organised by the NGO Alliance Against Racism (NAAR).
Mr Kelly noted that the Government has submitted its (combined 3rd & 4th) Report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and that a Shadow Report is being prepared by NAAR in response. He said the Shadow Report is a useful mechanism for highlighting areas of concern including the realities of racism in Ireland.
Mr Kelly shared The Integration Centre’s experience in developing and organising consultations with its member groups and organisation and noted how this community based approach can ensure that the real issues that concern people are addressed. The seminar included an overview of the Convention and recommendations of CERD. Also raised were the practical ways in which organisations can contribute to the Shadow Report.
The Integration Centre hosts visit by University of London students
The Integration Centre recently hosted a study visit by undergraduate students from the University of London’s Geography Department. The students, working in the areas of international protection, immigration and integration participated in this joint field research project, coordinated by Professor Catherine Nash. Themes explored throughout the visit included those relating to identity, belonging and inclusion in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
In his presentation Mr Mogaji, Head of Communications & Integration noted that the students were really enthusiastic and enjoyed hearing about the work of The Centre and the experiences of its clients and immigrant member organisations.
Immigration, Integration & Identity for Indians in Ireland
Mr Prashant Shukla, Director of the Ireland-India Council and Board Member of The Integration Centre addressed the conference, ‘Immigration, Integration & Identify for Indians in Ireland’ held on 14th April. In his address Mr Shukla noted that immigrants can often experience a lack of information at the point of signing employment contracts, that career prospects can be restricted, that customer service in relation to immigration matters must be improved, that restrictive policies adversely impact on entrepreneurial ventures and that restrictive policies concerning travel also adversely impact on the quality of people’s lives and their capacity to truly integrate. Mr Prashant also emphasised that old and new communities must feel a part of Irish society and share the same responsibilities and obligations. The conference was well-attended by senior representatives from statutory and non-statutory agencies alike and provided a unique platform to also address both the opportunities and challenges for policy makers and communities in relation to immigration and integration in Ireland.
European Citizens’ Initiative: Giving citizens new opportunities to influence EU policy
The European Commission has put forth a proposal that European citizens for the first time will be able to suggest new legislation through the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI). The ECI will allow at least one million citizens from at least one third of EU Member States to bring forward legislative proposals in areas within the Commission’s remit.
The proposal sets out how many signatures must be gathered from each country, and suggests that the Commission examines whether the initiative is admissible after 300,000 signatures have been gathered from three Member States. It sets a time limit of one year to collect signatures and gives the Commission four months to examine an initiative and decide how to act on it.
Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President for Inter-institutional Relations and Administration stated “This is a real step forward in the democratic life of the Union. It’s a concrete example of bringing Europe closer to its citizens. And it should foster a lively debate about what we are doing in Brussels. The Commission will have to give serious consideration to requests made by citizens’ initiatives.” The Commission hopes the Council and Parliament will reach final agreement on the ECI before the end of this year, to allow the first initiatives to be brought forward in 2011.
France to toughen legislation on immigration in transposing EU legislation
On 31 March, the French government tabled a proposal for new legislation on immigration aimed at transposing three EU Directives. Firstly the Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment; secondly the Directive providing for minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals; and lastly the Directive on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals (Returns Directive).
The bill extends the detention deadline from the current 32 days up to 45 days. Besides this, the proposal goes beyond the Returns Directive requirements on a number of issues. For example, the bill makes provision for the creation of ad hoc “waiting zones” each time a “group of foreigners” crosses the national borders. In addition, the maximum delay for the first intervention by a custodial judge – who rules on the legality of the detention – is extended from 2 to 5 days. Since most returns take place during the first 4-5 day period of detention (in France), some people may be expelled before having had the opportunity to be brought before a judge, even when seeking international protection. Several French NGOs, among them Forum Réfugiés and France-Terre d’Asile, have emphasised the damage such legislation could cause to the French immigration and asylum systems if adopted. Furthermore, they recalled their opposition with some positions included in the Returns Directive, such as the potential imposition of a 5-year re-entry ban.
The Integration Centre endorses ECRE recommendations to the Ministerial Conference on Integration
At the 2010 Ministerial Conference on Integration organised by the Spanish Presidency on 15 & 16 April in Zaragoza, ECRE urged Ministers to allow refugees and asylum seekers to develop their full potential through participation in the labour market which is precarious when compared to other immigrant groups because refugees face additional barriers in accessing employment and training due to the forced nature of their migration, their experiences, and restrictive legislation. ECRE urged Ministers to tackle these obstacles and to promote the rapid and effective integration of refugees and to bring into action the principle of fair and comparable treatment with EU citizens, as reaffirmed under the Stockholm Programme.
EU Ministers were also urged to adopt amendments proposed by the European Commission to the Qualification Directive, to align the rights of subsidiary protection beneficiaries to those of refugees in relation to access to employment and length of residence permits. Member States were called on to support proposed amendments to the Reception Conditions Directive and to asylum seekers to access employment within a maximum period of six months. Bjarte Vandvik, ECRE Secretary General said: “It is difficult to understand why governments seem more willing to force skilled and motivated workers to rely on benefits instead of allowing them to work to support themselves and their families and pay taxes.
Finally, Member States were encouraged to support development of indicators as a tool to evaluate and monitor whether integration policy and practice is promoting equal opportunities, access to rights and inclusion; in partnership with civil society. This was agreed to during the meeting, as was a pilot project which will include examination of common indicators in four priority areas including: employment, education, social inclusion, and active citizenship.
Events
The Vodafone Ireland Foundation has launched its World of Difference programme 2010. It offers 4 people the opportunity to work for a charity of their choice with all expenses paid and a salary of up to €40,000. Applications for the Vodafone Ireland Foundation World of Difference programme can be submitted online via the Vodafone Ireland Foundation website at www.vodafone.ie/worldofdifference. Deadline: 18th April.
A number of events will take place in Cork in conjunction with Latin America Week beginning 15th April. The Exhibition of Arpilleras (Traditional Chilean embroidered quilts) and a screening of the films “The Cardboard Train” and “The Future of Food”, will take place 18th April from 4pm. A Talk by Fergal Anderson entitled “Growing resistance – the fight to fix the food system” on Monday 19th. Screenings of the films “Colours at the end of the world” and “Favela Rising” 21st April at 7pm. These events will take place in the Victoria Hotel, Patrick St. For further information email edacork@gmail.com or call 0857116534.
IACI-Integration of African Children in Ireland will host The Youth 4 Integration Conference on the 21st April, from 9.30am-4.00pm, Wynn’s Hotel, Lower Abbey St, Dublin 1. Admission is free however you must register by email at iaciyouth@gmail.com or call 086-4023953/085-778527.
Bray Women’s Refuge will host an Awareness Raising Seminar on Bullying and its effect on Domestic Abuse and Suicide, Wednesday 21st April, 2010 in Ramada Hotel, Bray, Co Wicklow. For further information call 01 286 6163 or e mail: managerbwr@eircom.net.
Women’s Integrated Network (WIN), Athy will host ‘Celebrating Diversity in Athy’ on Thursday, 22nd April, 2010, from 11am-1.35pm. The theme of the event is positive integration and prosperous community living. For further information call 085-142-6012. Attendance is free.
AkiDwA (the African and migrant women’s network) will launch its new publication ‘Am Only Saying It Now’ Experiences of Women Seeking Asylum in Ireland on Tuesday, 27th April 2010 from 11am to 1pm at the Galway City Museum. Registration begins at 10.30am Light lunch refreshments will be made available Please RSVP to info@akidwa.ie or Lucy on 018148582 by 26th April 2010.
Africa Centre will host its Annual Lecture on May 25th, 12-3pm in Trinity College Dublin. The theme of this year’s lecture is Sports as a Catalyst for Development in Africa. For further information visit www.africacentre.ie or email education@africacentre.ie or call 018656951.
The Homeless Agency has extended its Cold Weather Initiative until April 28th 2010. Due to adverse weather conditions forecast for the forthcoming period, the Cold Weather Initiative, which is being delivered through Cedar House operated by the Salvation Army will be extended from March 31st until April 28th 2010. For further information email homeless@dublincity.ie.
The National Youth Council of Ireland will host ‘Engaging with Youth and the World: From Policy to Practice’ 29-30 April, Emmaus Centre, Swords, Co Dublin. This two day residential development education seminar will explore the new European Youth Strategy. Participation is open to people aged 18-30 years who are currently involved in youth work as participants, volunteers or staff. For further information, contact Johnny Sheehan johnny@nyci.ie or Alan Hayes alan@nyci.ie.
The Social & Cultural group will host Creative Writing Workshops, from the 5th May – 7th July, from 7-9pm. There will be ten workshops which will take place in the NASC office and admission is free. Registration is open till the 19th April. For further information contact Ahmed Amir on 021 4317411 or ahmed@nascireland.org.
Comhlamh will host a forum called ‘Global Justice for a New Decade’ 15 May, 10 am – 4 pm. The forum will involve the discussion of global issues, a keynote speech from Mary Robinson on Climate Justice, and workshop discussions on Food Justice, Trade Justice and Health Justice. For more information email admin@comhlamh.org or call 01 4783490.
A number of events are to take place around Africa Day 25 May. Amongst which is 16 May – Iveagh Gardens (just off Harcourt Street), Dublin 2, and 23 May Limerick City Hall, Merchant’s Quay, Limerick. For further information visit http://africaday.irishaid.org/home.aspx or email africaday@dhr.ie, or call 01 4885808.
The Wheel has organized a national conference entitled ‘Building a Better Ireland’, to take place 27 May, 9 am – 4 pm, Croke Park Conference Centre. It will provide opportunities to engage with a host of local and international speakers who will share their expertise on the many challenges currently facing community, voluntary and charitable organisations. Further information available from the Wheel, T: 01 4548727, E: info@wheel.ie, W: www.wheel.ie.
Cork City Partnership Ltd. is currently offering a Diploma in Non-Formal Guidance. The course will be run over a two-year academic period at UCC – commencing Sep/Oct 2010 and finishing in May 2012. For further information contact Jacqueline@corkcitypartnershipltd.ie (021) 430 2310 or email idaly@partnershipcork.ie or see www.corkcitypartnership.ie Deadline: 28th May 2010.
The 4th DICE (Development and Intercultural Education Project) Annual Conference 2010 will take place in Limerick on the 17th and 18th of June 2010. Each year the conference aims to bring together academics, practitioners, student teachers, NGOs and all others in the education sector, to engage in dialogue and reflect on practice relevant to Development and Intercultural Education. To reserve a place, please complete the registration form available on the website: www.diceproject.org or e-mail jfingleton@cice.ie. Deadline: 31st May 2010.
A Book of Condolences to commemorate the tragic demise of the President of the Republic of Poland Mr. Lech Kaczyński, his wife Mrs. Maria Kaczyńska and other victims of the plane catastrophe near Smoleńsk has been opened at City Hall in Galway. There are several thousand Polish people resident in Galway City and this Book of Condolences has been opened in solidarity with the Polish Community in Galway. The Book of Condolences is available to be signed between 9.00am and 4.00pm daily at reception in City Hall, College Road, Galway.
Jobs
Women’s Aid is looking for a Manager for their National Freephone Helpline. For further information call 01 868 4721 or e-mail jobs@womensaid.ie. Deadline: 19th April.
ABA Tutors Required For Community Based Special Needs Programme. For further information contact Cillian Murphy on 0879523989 or email cillian@ansiol.ie. Deadline: April 21st.
OECD Pathways for Students with Disabilities to Tertiary Education and Employment Project: Case Studies Research. Tender proposals should be emailed to Alan McGrath at amcgrath@hea.ie. Deadline: 21 April 2010.
OPEN in Smithfield, Dublin 7 is looking for a Development Worker. For further information call 01 8148860 or apply with CV and cover letter to recruit@oneparent.ie. Deadline April 21st.
Mullingar Lir Youth & Family Project is looking for a Project Worker. For further information email anne.leonard@barnardos.ie or call 090 64 90890. Deadline April 23rd 2010.
SAOL is looking for a CE Childcare Assistant. For further information email annemarie@saolproject.ie. Deadline: April 23rd 2010.
Clondalkin Travellers Development Group is looking for a Community Development Worker. For further information call 01 4575124 or email ctdg@eircom.net. Deadline: 23rd April, 2010.
Sankalpais looking for a General Assistant (20 hrs per week). For further information email hello@sankalpa.ie or visit www.sankalpa.ie. Deadline: 23rd of April 2010.
The Traveller Visibility Group Ltd is looking for Community Health Care Co-ordinator. For further information contact tvgmary@gmail.com. Deadline: 23rd of April 2010.
Rural Community Network has two vacancies for the Rural Enablers Programmes. For further information email: patricia@ruralcommunitynetwork.org or Tel 0044(28) 8676 6670. Deadline: April 26th 2010.
New Ross CDP is looking for a Project Co-ordinator. Please send CVs to The Chairperson, New Ross CDP, Barrack Lane, New Ross, Co. Wexford. Deadline: 28th April 2010.
Arthritis Ireland is looking for a Fundraising Executive. For further information contact Nichola Mullen on 01 647 0205 or email your CV to nmullen@arthritisireland.ie. Deadline: April 30th 2010.
Bandon Family Support Group Ltd is looking for a Project Coordinator. For further information call 023 8842743. Deadline April 30th 2010.
National College of Ireland is looking for an Early Years Coordinator. For further information email recruitment@ncirl.ie. Deadline: April 30th 2010.
Tallaght Rehabilitation Project is looking for 2 Aftercare Project Workers. For further information email catherineoc@tallaghtrehabproject.ie or mwilliams@tallaghtrehabproject.ie.
The Solis Trust is looking for Relief Social Care Workers / Youth Care Workers. For further information contact hr@solis.ie or visit www.solis.ie. Deadline: April 30th 2010.
Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine & Israel is looking for Human Rights Observers. For further information visit www.quaker.org.uk/applyeappi. Deadline: 17th June 2010.
Phoenix Children’s Services Children’s Residential Centre is looking for a Relief Panel. For further information call 087 9263882 between 9.30 am and 1pm or send your CV to maria@phoenixchildrensservices.ie.
Educate Together is looking for a Head of Development. For further information or to submit your CV and cover letter contact recruitment2010@educatetogether.ie.
Information & Advocacy
The Integration Centre provides information and advocacy services on an outreach ‘clinic’ basis in Dublin and Galway.
The following are the times and locations of clinics:
• Tuesdays in Dublin 10.00 -12.30, 1 Green Street, off North King St. Dublin 7
• Wednesdays in Dublin 10.00 – 12.30 Blanchardstown Citizen’s Information Centre
• Wednesday in Dublin 1.30 – 15.45 Tallaght Citizen’s Information Centre, 512
• Thursdays in Dublin 10.00 – 12.30 Rathmines Information Centre
• Thursdays in Dublin 14.00-16.30: Meath Street Citizen’s Information Centre
Clinics are provided in Galway and surrounding areas at the following times and places:
o Mondays in Galway 14.00 – 16.30: Citizen’s Information Centre Augustine Street
o Tuesdays in Galway 14.00 -16.30: Citizen’s Information Centre Augustine Street
o Thursdays in Galway 10.30 – 13.00: Citizen’s Information Centre Augustine Street
FUNDERS
The Integration Centre continues to be grateful for the support and assistance of the Citizens Information Board (CIB), Atlantic Philanthropies (Ireland) Ltd, the One Foundation, The Wheel and the Community Foundation of Ireland.
If you no longer wish to receive this ebulletin, contact: Wale Mogaji, Head of Communications and Integration.
The Integration and Social Inclusion Centre of Ireland, Trading as The Integration Centre, is a company Limited by guarantee not having a share capital; Company registration No. 473318; Charitable Status No: CHY 18944; Directors: Pat Montague (Chairperson), Yaw Dankwa, Liz Joyce, Jerry Moriarty, Logan Raju, Paul Rowe and Prashant Shukla; Chief Executive Officer & Secretary —Josephine Ahern.
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