Our process
The Immigrant Council of Ireland’s vision is of a society that is fair, respects human rights and diversity and is committed to everyone, including people from a migrant background having the opportunity to fulfil their potential. We and our supporters work together in a wide variety of ways, actively seeking opportunities to achieve that goal.
We Defend
We are a registered Independent Law Centre, supporting people from a migrant background to achieve their rights. As well as providing immigration-related direct legal services, the legal team documents issues which arise for people in the immigration system and actively seeks to achieve positive law reform, working at domestic, regional and international levels.
We Campaign
Achieving social justice takes time, effort and working in partnership. We campaign to ensure migrants’ voices are heard in Ireland, end racism, highlight the acute needs of victims of trafficking and improve the immigration system. We partner with the National Transport Authority on the largest anti-racism campaign in the country and as lead members of Turn Off the Red Light we played an active role in the introduction of the Sexual Offences Act 2017.
We Research
Our advocacy work is informed by research and evidence. We have produced ground-breaking pieces of research on topics including the challenges of inclusion, family reunification, children’s experiences of the immigration system, migrants’ experiences in Ireland, taking racism seriously, anti-trafficking and the feminisation of migration. At any given time our team are involved in a wide variety of research programmes within Ireland and across Europe.
We Educate
We provide training on immigration systems, political participation, cultural diversity and other areas relating to migrant people’s rights. In 2016 a total of 800 people were provided with training and assistance by our integration team about combatting racism and encouraging political participation. We also delivered more than 20 trainings to Citizens Information Centre staff, students and other professional bodies on immigration and related laws.
We Empower
Our first duty is to empower people from a migrant background to claim their own rights. We work closely with people to ensure their rights are upheld and wider law reform is achieved, providing helpline support to thousands and more specialised legal support to those who need it. We also provide training for migrant people, supporting effective integration and provide a platform for migrants to reclaim their own rights.
We Work Together
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With migrants and their communities to achieve their rights.
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With partner organisations nationally, internationally and regionally to maximise the impact of our advocacy and campaigns, and ensure we adopt the most effective approaches to deliver real change.
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With local and national County Councils, Government bodies and State agencies to support and educate, and to seek policy and legislative change to benefit the migrant population in Ireland.