New Irish programme supporting child asylum seekers; RIPN materials on PILA website

The latest PILA bulletin from 25^th July includes an article that discussing the rights of child asylum seekers. The Minister for Children has introduced a program entitled “One Good Adult” that will help ease the transition into living in Ireland for child asylum seekers. Each child will be paired up with an adult, who will act as a mentor for him or her and assist them in adapting to life in the State. The report quotes Tanya Ward, stating that, “separated children are alone in Ireland without love, care and solidarity from their families. This project provides them with a person who will walk with them every step of the way on their journey through the care and asylum process ensuring their best interests are taken into account and their voices are heard.” This program is exciting because it will mean that there are less bereft migrant children living in the state with no one to look out for their interests.

Also, the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) has called for a reform on immigration processes that affect children. The number of migrant children in Ireland is growing significantly, and the immigration and education systems are not adequately equipped to deal with the needs of this growing group. The ICI specifically called for a reform of immigration policies, a review of current tuition fees, and schemes targeted and eliminating xenophobia and racism.