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Take action in Ireland

Take action in Ireland

Stand with people forced to flee and join us however you can.

Sign our petition, and learn more about initiatives to support refugees in Ireland.
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Act Now - Sign the petition

Becoming a refugee is not a choice. But how we act, how we respond, is. As a society, we all have a choice to make.

Do we look the other way when we see discrimination, injustice and violations of human rights? Or do we take action to help protect that right to seek asylum?

In December world leaders will meet at the Global Refugee Forum. It is the only global meeting where world leaders come together to find solutions for refugees and people seeking safety around the world.

It is a big deal. And you have an opportunity to join in. With your voice added in solidarity change is more possible. We can forge a path from despair to hope, and from hope to action for all those forced to flee.

Sign now and your name will be presented to world leaders in December at the Global Refugee Forum.

Find out more about the petition.

No one should have to pay with their lives or freedom to reach safety.

Get involved in a warm Irish welcome.

Community sponsorship

Community Sponsorship is a form of resettlement that empowers ordinary people to come together and welcome a refugee family or individual to Ireland, and directly support them to rebuild their lives in safety. It’s a practical and powerful way to respond to the global refugee crisis, that enriches communities and changes lives.

Help bring people to safety.

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Refugee Week 2024

Refugee Week in Ireland will take place from 17-23 June 2024. Refugee week is a festival where we celebrate compassion and connection, and everyone is welcome.

Join us and stand with refugees.

 

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Pledge accommodation

Do you have a spare room or vacant property? Consider hosting a refugee in your home. Pledge with Irish Red Cross or Helping Irish Hosts

Help someone get back on their feet.

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Hire refugees

People who have refugee status or subsidiary protection have the same right to work as Irish citizens. Those waiting for a decision on their international protection claim have the right to work after 6 months. Check out our toolkit for HR departments, and learn more about the benefits of hiring refugees for your business. Your organisation can also join the Open Doors initiative to get support in hiring refugees in Ireland.

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Teach in schools

Use this collection of UNHCR teaching materials on refugees, asylum and migration for primary and secondary education, and find guidance for teachers working with refugee children in the classroom. Learn about schools of sanctuary and have your school become a school champion.

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Report on refugee stories

As the number of refugees coming to Ireland grows, so too does interest in the effect these new arrivals will have on Irish life along with their individual stories. It is crucial that reporting is accurate, and we respect and appreciate the difficult stories that refugees and asylum seekers choose to share with us. Read this booklet for more guidance on reporting around refugees. If you are an asylum seeker or refugee, click here for more information on your rights when engaging with the media.
 

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Through sports

The Sanctuary Runners have running clubs all over the country. Sports Against Racism Ireland are holding the Unity Cup football tournament in Dublin’s North East Inner City in the Summer time. 

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Volunteer your time

Join Amnesty International’s I Welcome Refugees Network or ask your local volunteer centre or an NGO based in your area for about opportunities to help out. Volunteer with Failte Isteach English language classes, the Irish Red Cross or join another local organisation that supports and welcomes refugees. Keep an eye on I-VOL, the Irish volunteering database for volunteering opportunities that help forcibly displaced communities.

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Through simple acts

There are lots of different ways to get involved in Ireland. Even simple acts like watching a film, reading a book or having a conversation make a difference. Reach out and make a connection in person or online. Use your platform and join the movement of Irish people welcoming refugees.

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Sign up for updates 

Subscribe to the UNHCR e-newsletter to stay up to date with our work and hear from humanitarians on the front line and the people we help protect.