Policy & Integration

Policy Work

Outlined below are some of the policy development areas that GRSG are involved in:

• Integration & Anti Racism

    At present GRSG are writing Phase 2 of the Galway City Anti Racism Strategy ‘Towards a City of Equals’.
    A working Group has been established to co-ordinate this project. Members of the Working Group include: Galway City Council, Galway City Partnership, Galway City
    Community Forum, Galway City Intercultural Forum, Galway Traveller Movement and Galway Refugee Support Group.
    This Strategy includes and involves all of the people of Galway City and all ethnic groups living within the city. The Strategy aims to create opportunities for dialogue and
    communication. It is based on an understanding interculturalism, mutual respect and common basic values, such as democracy, freedom of speech and equality of all in the
    City of Galway. This project is still a work in progress, we are currently undertaking a Consultation Phase. The outcome of this consultation process will inform the
    key Actions to be included in Phase 2 of ‘Towards a City of Equals.’

    GRSG are also assisting in the development of Galway County Council Integration Strategy

• Asylum Process and Protection

    A number of key policy areas are emerging in regard to the Asylum Process and Protection, namely the issue of Aged-out Minors - 'Aged-Out Minors' refers to those who
    arrived in Ireland as separated children seeking asylum, and who now are between 18 and 21 years of age.
    A number of ‘Aged Out Minors’ have recently been dispersed to Direct Provision Accommodation Centres in Galway with no follow on support structures, including for those
    still in the formal education system.

    The issues of Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking are also emerging as key issues. We are in the process of establishing a Policy Advisory Group to address these issues.

Integration Work

GRSG Integration Statement

Galway Refugee Support Group believes that Integration is about building sustainable and open channels of communication, dialogue and interaction.

It is about maintaining and building relationships between communities, institutions and organisations and activating meaningful participation. It promotes diversity and challenges un-equal power relations.

GRSG’s approach to Integration acknowledges the need for economic, political and social support in order for people to reach their true potential and avail of opportunities.

It aims to allow all people the freedom and confidence to express and be proud of their identity and culture in a safe and secure environment.

Integration concerns and is about us all, not just minorities.

It could be said that the word ‘Integration’ is one of the most frequently used terms today in the context of discussing immigration and ethnic minorities in Ireland, Europe and beyond. It has become a ‘buzz word’ for analysts, practitioners, policy makers and academics.

What is important to note, is the often contrasting and conflicting explanations and perceptions of what Integration means and also not to presume that everyone is talking about the same thing when they refer to integration. It is for this reason that GRSG have developed the above statement on Integration.

Elements of GRSG Integration Strategy

Below shows a diagram of GRSG Integration policy work and strategy. The Strategy is being developed and will be posted in full on completion.

A large part of this work at present is the development of a local Integration Policy document for Galway City in conjunction with Galway City Council, Galway City Partnership and other interest groups.

For more information on our Policy and Integration Strategy work contact Claire Davey