Press release
‘Voices of Syrians-Resettled Refugees in Ireland’ Report Launched
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
- this report provides invaluable insights into the experiences of resettled Syrian refugees in Ireland in recent years
- it explores the challenges and needs that resettled refugees have experienced in Ireland, providing lessons to improve future integration outcomes to the benefit of both Syrian refugees in Ireland, and the communities in which they live
- the report concludes that Syrian refugees have much to offer to Ireland, are committed to the future of their families in Ireland and look forward to the supports which can increase their independence and capacity to contribute to wider society
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, today published a report entitled 'Voice Of Syrians-Resettled Refugees in Ireland'. This report was commissioned on behalf of the Irish Refugee Resettlement Programme and was undertaken by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Ireland. The report has described the experiences of 153 Syrian refugees who arrived in Ireland between 2015 and 2019 through the Irish Refugee Resettlement Programme. Their perspectives and experiences of integration provide a valuable insight into the ways in which refugees settle into new lives and become part of their local communities and neighbourhoods.
Through this report, they have described their hopes and fears about life after the Syrian Arabic Republic, their relationships with family overseas and here in Ireland, their growing relationships with neighbours, their efforts to convert qualifications and work experience for the Irish labour market, supporting their children and partners, and the challenges of becoming fluent in another language.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister O’Gorman said:
“This report gives voice to refugees and provide important insights for those providing services to those hoping to make a home in Ireland. It is evident from this report that refugees have a wealth of experience to contribute to the Irish State."
Ms Lalini Veerassamy, Chief of Mission of IOM in Ireland also welcomed the report and expressed her thanks to the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) as well as the research steering group and Dr Lucy Michael and refugees for their contribution. Ms. Veerassamy commented that:
"‘The 'Voices of Syrians' report provides invaluable insights on the experience of resettled Syrian refugees in Ireland and emphasizes on the importance of integration indicators."
The report notes that integration is particularly strong in respect of refugees’ security of immigration status, sense of belonging, feelings of safety, security of tenure in housing, and children’s experiences in education. The report finding that these are areas in which it is clear that planning and cooperation have provided a strong basis for refugees in building their new lives in Ireland. Security of housing provided confidence amongst refugees of their future safety in Ireland. Social welfare provisions have provided the security needed to settle families and plan towards work and education opportunities.
The report did highlight some areas of concern chief among them was that of language. The domain upon which this has had the most significant impact is work, with language barriers affecting refugees’ uptake of labour market entry supports, application for jobs, participation in the labour market and access to higher or further education courses.
The Irish Refugee Protection Programme, as part of its orientation and integration services, offers significant language support including formal training but proficiency in English for resettled refugees continues to be a concern.
