Solidarity is a shared sense of responsibility and a commitment to support those in need. As we mark International Human Solidarity Day on 20 December, we highlight two initiatives in Ireland working with refugees and migrants to empower them to find work and access essential services: Doras and Recruit Refugees Ireland (RRI), a project of International Community Dynamics which helps to support and educate refugees and International Protection Applicants (IPAs).
The mission of RRI is to help refugees in Ireland find decent work. Doras meanwhile promotes and protects the rights of migrants and refugees in the country through advocacy, awareness-raising and direct support. These initiatives reflect human solidarity by recognising the humanity of migrants and refugees, promoting empathy and cooperation, upholding human rights, and empowering these individuals to build their own lives in their new country.
Inspired to help others
In recent years, conflict, insecurity, and the impact of climate change have significantly contributed to forced migration. Migrants and refugees represent some of the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in our society.
Roos Demol, who co-founded International Community Dynamics with a refugee, felt it was important to establish a social enterprise as a recruitment agency.
“We noticed that it was very difficult for refugees and IPAs to either find work, or find decent work,” she says citing a study by Doras which found that out of 60% of IPAs who found work, only 9% work according to their qualifications or previous experiences.
“We want to bring a change to that,” she adds. RRI has a database of jobseekers detailing their skills and talents and aims to connect them to employers, once they have assisted them to become ‘job ready’ and find decent work.
Doras, which means ‘Open Door’ in Irish, was set up to be exactly that: an open door for refugees and asylum seekers as they arrived in Ireland. Since their establishment in 2000, they have evolved: “Whether it’s with help on immigration issues, access to services such as social welfare or education, employment, health, we’re able to assist people, ” explains John Lannon, who took a career break from academia to become Doras’ CEO. “I’ve always had an interest and a commitment to doing what I could to uphold and protect the rights of everybody, but particularly of refugees and migrants.”
You too can make an impact
RRI’s motto is ‘Change through Positive action’. One of the positive action’s individuals can take in everyday life is to reach out to those in your community, say hello, have a conversation on a bus or train, or share a coffee, advises Roos Demol. “It will open your eyes to a wonderful new world,” she adds.
She also advocates for a “blind” job recruitment process, whereby details such as names, dates of birth, and gender are not mentioned to combat bias.
Individuals need to engage properly with others rather than being “sucked in by misinformation or fear mongering,” shares John Lannon.
“We’ve all got an important role to play in society today,” he adds, “We must avoid practices or behaviours that exclude people”.
Work with a meaningful impact
The most recent data from UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, for 2023 shows that there were over 99,000 refugees under UNHCR’s mandate in Ireland, and more than 17,000 asylum-seekers.
Now more than ever, resources to help are needed, including access to services such as social welfare or education, employment, health, or providing information on issues such as mental health and gender-based violence.
Doras currently supports around 3000-3500 individuals a year. “Our services have never been in in more demand,” notes John Lannon, particularly following an increase in arrivals from Ukraine after Russia’s invasion of the country.
The organisation has a particular focus on ensuring that people have access to essential information. It created, for example, a set of online modules to teach refugees and asylum seekers about their rights in Ireland.
Finding work is also an important way to integrate into society, and often the people that avail of RRI’s recruitment services lack confidence when trying to find work in a new country due to cultural differences and new rules. RRI supported, for example, a woman who was working as a cleaner but was previously a data analyst in her home country.
“She was very capable, but just needed the push to get her confidence back on track,” details Roos Demol. RRI posted on social media about her exceptional talent, and two weeks’ later she began work as a data analyst.
“For many, just being believed and appreciated as someone with their skills makes a world of a difference,” she adds.
Challenging but rewarding work
Working in this field can be slow, frustrating, and challenging at times, says John Lannon, however it is also incredibly rewarding. “Helping to ensure that people have access to their rights is the fulfilling piece,” he adds.
Doras acknowledges the importance of having a support network in the workplace. “It’s something that we need to be aware of, we need to support each other, and we need to avail of the tools and the resources that are available to help us,” says John Lannon. The organisation also ensures that underrepresented communities and migrant groups make up a proportion of its staff.
RRI encourages staff to be open and not make assumptions about those they work with. “Be empathic, friendly and open, the rest will follow,” advises Roos Demol, adding there is a need to set boundaries and to be aware of the impact this work can have. Refugees and migrants often go through traumatic experiences, and this can also have an emotional impact on those working to help them.
“It is a challenge, but I have learned to ‘close the shop’ when needed and I find ways to relax,” says Roos Demol.
Tips to encourage solidarity
Showing support for migrants and refugees living in your community, online and in daily life can have an impact, notes Roos Demol.
“Please do not scroll past calls for support. Let’s make sure everyone can live in a place of security and freedom. […] It will make a world of difference.”
At Doras, the importance of individuals and politicians treating refugees and migrants with respect and dignity is key.
“Recognise that every human being has rights, and every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” concludes John Lannon.