Experiences of international protection applicants who have been victims of crime in Ireland to be examined

The experiences of international protection applicants who have been victims of crime in Ireland is to be examined in research by a Limerick-based human rights organisation.

The experiences of international protection applicants who have been victims of crime in Ireland is to be examined in research by a Limerick-based human rights organisation.

Doras has been granted funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission for a six-month research project which will then be used to lobby for improvements to the criminal justice system for migrants.

The research aims to gather information on the barriers, challenges and enablers to accessing justice, and the experience of migrants of their engagement with the An Garda Sίochána and other relevant authorities in Ireland.

Chief executive John Lannon said the decision to undertake the research arose from anecdotal evidence of migrants who had difficulties in accessing the Irish criminal justice system for a number of reasons.

He said: “It could be things like language barriers, a mistrust and a reluctance to go to police because of past experiences.” 

He continued: “I can recall a case of one man who had damaged property in a direct provision centre and was charged with that, but there was a history in the background of untreated or unacknowledged mental health difficulties and he needed help in that.” 

Mr Lannon said that Doras wants to look at the issues facing international protection applicants when they are victims of crime in a “more rigorous and scientific way”.

A report on the findings is expected to be finalised later this year.

Mr Lannon said the report will then be sent to the government to highlight any issues raised through the research.

He said: “The whole issue of accommodation and housing and that people are on the streets homeless is the primary issue in relation to international protection. But we also know that there are lots of other issues. People are going to continue coming here to seek international protection. Even if they do get the reception centres built quickly, these issues will still remain, in terms of the one about access to justice. So the work will be important regardless of when or how the accommodation problem gets sorted out.” 

Doras is currently seeking tender proposals from researchers to manage and deliver on this project. The lead researcher will head up a team of peer researchers who will interview victims of crime who have lived experience of the international protection process.

The project was among 30 to be granted funding by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission for projects under the Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme.

The range of projects focussed on advancing access to justice and rights and promoting the eradication of ableism, ageism, racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, according to the commission.

Successful applicants included EPIC – Empowering People in Care which is seeking to undertake research into the experiences of international protection applicants of the care system in Ireland.

A total of €400,000 was allocated to projects under the scheme.

The closing date for the tender process for the Doras project is January 21.