The Institute for Conflict Research is an independent research organisation, based in Belfast, which specialises in working on issues related to conflict, human rights, social transformation and social justice. It is a not for profit company limited by guarantee with charitable status and is managed by a board of directors drawn from the community, voluntary and academic sectors. We also carry out research, evaluations and training, not just in Northern Ireland but also internationally.
Latest Reports
This provides an overview of defensive architecture and associated blighted space in Belfast together with a comprehensive listing, with photographs and descriptions, of security barriers and defensive space throughout the city.
A higher resolution copy can be accessed on Scribd http://scr.bi/xIGWC5
Substance Misuse Among People Over 55. Perspectives from the Community and Voluntary Sector. Belfast, May 2011
The aim of this research was to review knowledge, awareness and evidence of the impact of substance misuse on the older population (aged 55+) and to review good practice in reducing substance related harm within this population which has been done by undertaking a review of available research, data and information sources. However, the main focus of the research involved consulting with a broad range of community and voluntary sector organisations working in the Belfast area to assess their views and perceptions of the prevalence and extent of substance misuse within the older population and the services currently in place to address this issue
Let me speak, help me be heard (2011): An evaluation carried out with Praxis Care of the Alzheimer's Society advocacy service for people with dementia. Paul Webb from Praxis Care recently presented the findings to a group of practitioners and academics at the Conference 'Ageing Globally, Ageing Locally' organized by the CARDI Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland.
Healthcare Issues for Transgender People Living in Northern Ireland (2011): An investigation into current health and social care provision, making recommendations on how to improve the services afforded to Northern Ireland's trans community.
The CitySide Initiative (2011): A project which documented the peacubuilding work on Duncairn Gardens.
Areas of Research
Equality and Diversity. We have undertaken various projects on issues affecting the minority ethnic communities and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population of Northern Ireland.
Conflict and Violence. This includes work on violence in interface areas, disputes over parades, anti-social behaviour, various forms of hate crimes and young people’s involvement in violence.
Human Rights. Our work has focused on issues associated with freedom of assembly in Northern Ireland and Europe and on the relationships between conflict intervention work and human rights.
Legacy of the Conflict. A number of studies have explored the ongoing impact of the Troubles on individual lives, institutional practices and service provision.
Hate Crime. ICR has carried out a range of projects looking at hate crime, both in Northern Ireland and elsewhere.
Migration. ICR has undertaken a number of studies on the changing patterns of migration to Northern Ireland. This includes an overview of general trends, plus local studies in Belfast, Dungannon and in the further education sector.
Policing. Includes research on the relationships between the PSNI and young people, and black and minority ethnic communities and lesbians, gays and bisexuals; also work on community based policing including Neighbourhood Watch.
Sectarianism and Segregation. This includes projects on the dynamics of mixed residential communities, on the daily patterns of segregation and division, on sectarian violence and on approaches to creating a more integrated society.
Young People. Numerous pieces of work including projects on young people and policing, on their experiences of violence, on young people's views of electoral politics and work in relation to a variety of aspects of education.
