Gardaí ‘need’ anti-racism training
ICI interviewed 40 men between the ages of 16 and 28 who were born outside of Europe and who now live in Ireland. All the men said they had experienced discrimination at school, in sport, at work, and from public authorities. They were also concerned about being cut off from family and loved-ones by immigration rules.
The men said they felt gardaí take a “non-confrontational approach” to racism and do not challenge local families whose children cause trouble in disadvantaged areas.
Some of the immigrant men also experienced overt racist comments from officials, such as “go back to Africa”.
Other examples of racism included verbal abuse on the streets, with remarks such as “go back to your country”, and a Muslim pupil who was asked in school “do you have a bomb in your bag?” when the bomb squad was called. Another incident highlighted a teacher referring to a student as ‘Allah’.
The men criticised immigration services, where they said they faced unpleasant and even racist treatment by immigration officials.
Similar negative treatment was reported by social welfare officials, while young migrant men also experienced discriminatory treatment from door staff at bars and clubs.
The report recommends that a new national integration strategy be implemented and calls for diversity and anti-racism training across the gardaí and the development of local, ethnic policing forums.
It also calls for a proper complaints system for people who experience discrimination, access to public services, equality of access to schools by abolishing waiting lists, and immigration reform to allow a clear and fair process for families to reunite.
Chief executive of ICI, Brian Killoran, said the research was an opportunity to hear voices that are often ignored or forgotten in the public policy debate in Ireland.
“The low numbers of migrants in our public services, and in public life, has created a disconnect,” said Mr Killoran. “The frequency which the men speak of experiencing discrimination by the authorities is very concerning, as are the obstacles they outline in terms of treatment at school and perceived barriers to advancement at work.”
