Strategy

Currently, as many as 190 million people are thought to cross borders every year and migration has become an integral and inevitable part of global and social development. Most migrants move from developing to developed countries and migration can be either voluntary or forced. Once forced migrants cross a border, the term 'refugee' is used. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a total of 67 million people had been forcibly removed by end-2007 and there were 32.9 million 'people of concern' to the UNHCR (asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returned refugees, returned internally displaced persons and stateless persons) in the world.

Also by end-2007, there were an estimated 11.7 million refugees under the UNHCR's responsibility  and the top-five hosting countries were Pakistan, Syria, Iran, Germany and Jordan . The number of refugees reaching Ireland in comparison to these countries is very small. According to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC), Ireland has processed 57,220 applications from asylum seekers for refugee status since November 2000.

Of these applicants, only 2,897 have received positive recommendations for refugee status while 41,034 received negative recommendations. Two thousand and eighteen decisions were made under the Dublin Convention and as at end-2007 there were 9,427 applicants waiting for a decision from the Irish Government.

Applicants who are found not to be in need of protection or to have humanitarian grounds to stay in Ireland may be deported to their country of origin. In addition, Ireland receives refugees who have sought protection in a country which cannot or will not provide the required refugee protection to them (approximately 200 per year). They are called Programme Refugees and Ireland is one of a small group of countries which receives refugees in this way.

The work of the RIS therefore takes place in a much broader international context. While the numbers of people seeking the protection of Ireland are quite small in comparison to other receiving nations, the principles remain the same. The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees states explicitly that people have the right to seek protection when they fear persecution or are in danger. Ireland is a signatory to this Convention and therefore has a responsibility to meet its obligations.

The RIS was established in 1998 in response to the growing demand and gaps in terms of the information and services available for people either seeking or who had/have the protection or Ireland. The other core element of the organisation's strategy was to raise awareness within Irish people.

RIS intends implement models of best practice in the areas of in information, advocacy, policy and research, communications and training using a rights-based approach to service delivery. In 2007 we conducted a client survey, which, along with consultations with our clients has helped to shape the organisation's strategic direction. The RIS will continue to focus on the following key principles:

  • Information: that the RIS provides relevant and timely information on issues relating to refugees, asylum seekers and others with a protection status
  • Advocacy: that the RIS continues to advocate on behalf of its clients and to influence systemic change
  • Policy and Research: the RIS engages stakeholders particularly, Government, to effect positive change in immigration policy and legislation
  • Communications: the RIS proactively engages with the media and general public through an integrated communications strategy
  • Training and development: the RIS continues to develop its expertise as a specialist training provider on issues relevant to immigration and integration.


The RIS acknowledges the continually changing socio-political environment in Ireland and recognises that the country will experience further change. It will endeavour to meet and address the challenges ahead Considerations that will shape and influence over the next 3 years are:

  • European Asylum System
  • Irish Government Integration Policy/ies.
  • The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill


Significant experience has been built up in the RIS in the areas of research and policy with substantial expertise in advocating for and supporting some of the most vulnerable people coming to Ireland from backgrounds of social/political unrest. Now as an organisation with much expertise; the RIS aims to develop further with a special focus on 'Protection' and 'Integration.'


Other areas which have been identified for development include:

  • Advisory Capacity 
  • Expertise on Citizenship 
  • Communications & Public Affairs 
  • Collection & Dissemination of Data
  • Work in the area of Direct Provision 
  • Education & Employment 
  • Family Reunification 
  • Information & Advocacy 
  • Legal 
  • Lobbying 
  • Mainstreaming of Services 
  • Training

 

In early 2009 RIS examined several aspects of the service they were providing and ways that it could be improved. Over the years our close working relationship with Integrating Ireland has been mutually beneficial. This led to a strategy of merging the two organisations in order to better serve the community. In June of 2009 the organisations began operating out of the same office and have found the interaction between the two like minded groups to be helpful in building on the commitment to serve the immigrant community. As the organisations continue to merge, there is an optimism that the resulting group will continue to work tirelessly to improve conditions for the migrant community.