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ICR welcomes new Assistant Director - 3rd January
Agnieszka Martynowicz has joined ICR in the newly-created post of Assistant Director. Her role within the organisation will include project development, promotion of the organisation and deputising for the Director. Agnieszka previously worked for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and has a wide range of experience in research both in Northern Ireland and in Poland.
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Policing Board welcomes Neighbourhood Watch Research - 10th December
This report on research conducted by Social & Market Research in partnership with the Social Research Centre and ICR highlight the positive contribution that Neighbourhood Watch schemes make in local communities. The report was welcomed by Policing Board Chairman, Professor Sir Desmond Rea and Paul Goggins MP, Minister of State at the NIO. The report can be accessed through the link on the publications section of this site.
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Traveller Children Lose Out in Education - 6th December
Bullying, outdated policies and poor levels of attendance mean Traveller Children are not achieving their potential in education, according to a major review published today.
The joint review by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland showed that many Traveller Children are denied their right to education.
The research was conducted by ICR, Trademark and An Munia Tober and was completed with the co-operation and support of the Travelling Community.
Contact: Jennifer Hamilton
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Launch of LGB Research Report - 20th November
Enabling Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Individuals to Access their Rights under Equality Law:
This report summarises the key findings of a research project commissioned by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) and the Equality Authority (EA). The project's primary aim was to identify strategies whereby specialised equality bodies could enable lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people to secure their rights under equality law. The report combines findings from a small-scale qualitative study with a literature review and an appraisal of current legislation, policy and practice. The study comprised interviews with LGB individuals, representatives of LGN non-governmental organisations, personnel working in specialised equality bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
The full report is available in PDF format from the reports section of this site.
Contact: Ulf Hansson
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Parades and Protests - 22nd October
ICR and Belfast Interface Project have produced this publication which reviews all the major policy documents, community publications, academic papers and books that focus on the contemporary culture of parading and the current cycle of protests related to parades in Northern Ireland. It provides an outline of discussion and analysis contained in nearly ninety documents that have been published since 1982. This annotated bibliography will be a valuable resource for community groups and organisations working on the subject of parades and associated issues as well as for policy makers, researchers and academics.
Contact: John Bell
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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LGB and Transgender reports published - 30th June
Two reports on research into how statutory bodies consider LGB and Transgender issues in the development of policy and practice under Section 75 have been published and are available in pdf format on this site. The research was funded by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
Contact: Ulf Hansson
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Many Voices One Goal - FAI Intercultural Football Plan - 27th April
The Football Association of Ireland in conjunction with its key stakeholders have developed the 'Intercultural Football Plan' the purpose of which is to examine how best, in the context of a more diverse Irish society, the Football Association of Ireland can encourage increased participation in football among people from minority ethnic and cultural backgrounds, whilst also challenging and preventing the spread of 'racism' within the game and thereby contribute towards a fully intercultural and integrated society.
The plan can be viewed on the documents section of this website, or on the FAI website at http://www.fai.ie
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Guidelines on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly - 31st March
The right to assemble peacefully is an essential condition for the exercise of other human rights such as the freedom of expression. As a true foundation of democracy, the right to assemble is guaranteed by major human rights treaties and by a commitment made by OSCE participating States in 1990, in Copenhagen. These Guidelines on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly are a new cornerstone of this assistance, adding to the ODIHR's Legislationline.org database, where lawmakers can obtain examples from other countries' legislation that can help them prepare legislation regulating the exercise of the freedom of assembly.
Neil Jarman chairs the international panel on freedom of assembly at the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, part of the Organisation of Security and Co-operation in Europe. They recently produced a set of guidelines on freedom of assembly legislation, available in English and Russian. The report can be accessed on the 'documents' section of this website.
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Racism in Northern Ireland's Health Service - 8th November
Northern Ireland has recently experienced a growth in the minority ethnic population and in the number of racist hate crimes. Although there is a substantial number of minority ethnic people working in both the public and private health sectors we have no indication of the scale of racist harassment and abuse within the health sector in Northern Ireland. As a result of the increase in minority ethnic employees and in recognition of the lack of research on the levels of racism in the health service the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) commissioned the Institute for Conflict Research (ICR) to investigate the nature, extent and effects of racist behaviours experienced by Northern Ireland’s ethnic minority healthcare staff. This report documents the findings from the research.
Contact: Jennifer Hamilton
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Improving Government Service Delivery to Minority Ethnic Groups - 9th October
HANSON LAUNCHES REPORT TO IMPROVE SERVICES FOR ETHNIC MINORITIES
Delivering good quality public services is critical to racial equality.
This was among the messages from David Hanson MP as he launched a major report entitled 'Improving Government Service Delivery for Minority Ethnic Groups in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Scotland.'
Funded by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, the report looks at how three jurisdictions, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Scotland provide services to minority ethnic groups and, in particular, how we can improve such services by learning from our nearest neighbours.
The research notes that as ethnic diversity continues to grow, the challenge will be to ensure that migrants and existing minority ethnic groups are fully included in key services such as health, employment, education, policing and housing.
The report is the culmination of a two year research project commissioned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) in Northern Ireland from the Centre for Cross Border Studies and undertaken by the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism with a trans- jurisdiction research team involving Institute for Conflict Research In NI; OSDC in Scotland and a team led by Piaras Mac Einri et al in Ireland.
Contact: Jennifer Hamilton
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Shared Living - integration or neutrality? - 4th October
Is it people's aspiration to live in a diverse community consisting of people with Catholic, Protestant and minority community backgrounds? A community free from sectarian, racist and homophobic intimidation and attacks? Is there a vision of an integrated community, a place where diversity outweights neutrality ... put simply, a place where the Sash plays alonside the Soldier's Song and the Tricolour flies alongside the Union Jack? What do people envisage an integrated an mixed community to be?
This latest report from ICR is the result of a qualitative study into three mixed residential communities in Northern Ireland. It provides an analysis of the quality of life issues and the nature of social relationships in mixed communities in both urban and rural areas. The findings reveal indicators of shared living and factors that can hinder the development of relationship building between people from different community backgrounds.
In two of the study areas (Areema and the Lissize estate in Rathfriland) a short household survey / community audit was conducted as part of the fieldwork. The full analysis of each survey was written up and presented to the community groups in Areema and Lissize, while the two full reports and the questionnaires can be found in the reports section of the ICR website.
The research was funded by the Community Relations Council through the European Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.
Contact: Jonny Byrne or Ulf Hansson
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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New report on migration in Northern Ireland - Changing Patterns and Future Planning - 1st June
In June 2004 ICR published a report entitled Migrant Workers in Northern Ireland, the result of a research study commissioned for the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. Since that time there has been greater awareness about the growing numbers of migrant workers coming to Northern Ireland, the changing dynamics of patterns of migration, of the local demand that is attracting migrants and of the need to improve information, advice, support and services for people moving to Northern Ireland to take up employment.
This new report looks at:
- Migrant populations
- National Insurance numbers
- A8 Worker Registrations Scheme
- UK comparisons on A8 migrants
- Areas of employment
- Undocumented workers
- Legislative control
- Policy Development
Migration patterns to Northern Ireland have changed considerably over recent years and this is leading to significant changes both to the size and the ethnic/national background of the overall minority population. The currently available evidence suggests that the patterns of migration are distinctive in relation to the UK as a whole, with larger numbers of Eastern European migrants moving to Northern Ireland and larger than expected numbers of migrants in the manufacturing, food processing and construction sectors.
The current focus of attention has been on issues of discrimination, service provision, information and advice for migrants. There has been little overall policy development to address the prominence of migration as a factor in the current and future economic development of Northern Ireland, while most current responses and initiatives appear to be being developed in isolation and with no sense of a coherent or joined-up approach. This is an issue that will need to be addressed if migration is to continue to be an opportunity for Northern Ireland rather than a problem.
The paper is available in pdf format on the reports section of the website.
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Punishing Disorder - Sentencing of Public Order Offences in Northern Ireland - 1st June
Through the spring and summer of 2005 there were numerous outbreaks of public disorder in Northern Ireland, including:
- Clashes between supporters of Glentoran and Linfield football clubs at the Oval football ground in April.
- Clashes between Loyalists and Nationalists in North Belfast following the final games of the Scottish football season in May.
- An attack on marchers and supporters at a Tour of the North parade in June.
- Attacks on the police by Nationalist youths at the Ardoyne on the Twelfth of July.
- Attacks by Loyalists on the police following searches of the Shankill area in August and severe rioting in West Belfast following the re-routed Whiterock Orange Order parade in September.
On eaxh of these occasions the press reported the violence, but also acknowledged any cases where people arrested and charged with public order offences. The media also frequently reported subsequent appearances in court by those charged in the days following the disorder. However, in general, such reports only note that an individual had been charged with a particular offence and, depending on the seriousness of the charge, is due to appear in court, is bailed to appear at a later date or is remanded in custody for a subsequent court appearance. Only rarely do the media report on the eventual outcomes of such cases. In fact attention is rarely paid to the sentences that are handed down by the courts for those convicted of public order offences.
This paper considers a neglected area of public order management, the sentencing of those convicted of serious public order offences and offers some suggestions as to why sentencing levels for such offences are substantially lower in Northern Ireland than they are in England and Wales. The paper is in four sections. The first provides some background on public disorder in Northern Ireland and on legal frameworks for prosecuting offenders. The second section analyses the levels of sentences handed down to people convicted of serious order offences in Northern Ireland between 1995 and 2003. The third section offers a comparative element by reviewing the sentences imposed on people convicted of involvement in two recent outbreaks of serious public disorder in England and Wales, the disturbances in Bradford in July 2001 and in Wrexham in June 2003, and compares them with the prosecutions for disorder at Drumcree in July 2002 and in North Belfast between 2002 and 2003. The final section of the paper addresses some issues related to the different responses by the courts in England and Wales and those in Northern Ireland.
The research paper is available in pdf format on the reports section of the website.
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Working at the Interface - 15th May
Violence and disorder have been recurrent problems in many interface areas of Belfast for many years, but these problems have also led to the development of a range of responses by people living and working near interfaces. This brief document highlights some of the current best practice and key learnings of interface workers about how they can respond to violence and reduce future disorder.
Commissioned by Belfast Interface Project.
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Interface Violence - new paper published - 2nd May
Interface Violence in East Belfast during 2002: The mechanisms and programmes employed to limit the impact on local residents.
Jonny Byrne reports on research carried out in Short Strand/ Inner East Belfast looking at the causes, impact and repercussions of interface violence.
Paper published in Shared Space, Issue 2, May 2006.
Contact: Jonny Byrne
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Migration, Diversity and Economy - new paper published - 2nd May
New patterns of Migration in Northern Ireland.
Migration patterns to Northern Ireland have changed considerably over recent years and this is leading to significant changes both to the size and the ethnic/national background of the overall minority population. Neil Jarman explores issues of discrimination, service provision and policy development.
Paper published in Shared Space, Issue 2, May 2006.
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Public Authorities and Minority Ethnic Groups - Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland - 1st March
How public authorities provide services to minority ethnic groups - emerging findings discussion paper.
This publication outlines emerging findings from research commissioned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) in Northern Ireland. The research focuses on public authorities' service provision to minority ethnic (including migrant) groups in three jurisdictions: Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
The primary focus of the research is to identify how public authorities in the three jurisdictions can learn from the experiences of their nearest neighbours. This includes a brief three-way comparaive analysis, highlighting interesting initiatives and key challenges from each of the jurisdictions. This report outlines emerging findings to date, a more substantial and conclusive final report will be published in August/September 2006.
Contact: Jennifer Hamilton
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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CONFERENCE - How Public Authorities Provide Services to Minority Ethnic Groups - 1st March
The conference will launch the emerging findings from research examining how public authorities provide services for minority ethnic groups within the prescribed legal framework in three jurisdictions: Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
The conference is aimed at a diverse audience including people working in public and social services, government officials, NGOs as well as minority ethnic groups and the communities that represent them.
An 'emerging findings' interim report is available, presenting the findings of the research so far. Copies of the report are available from the NCCRI (visit the website www.nccri.ie, email: info@nccri.ie, or telephone: 00 353 1 858 8000).
Contact: Jennifer Hamilton
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Minority Communities - new research - 22nd February
Two new reports on the attitudes to policing of people within the local black and minority ethnic and lesbian, gay and bisexual communities were launched in Belfast on 22nd February.
The reports summarise the views of over 700 people surveyed last year - over 500 from black and ethnic minority communities and more than 200 lesbian, bisexual and gay people.
The research, which was conducted on behalf of the Policing Board and the Office of the Police Ombudsman, involved questionnaires, focus groups, one-to-one interviews, interviews with representatives of policing organisations and liaison with ethnic minority and gay, lesbian and bisexual groups.
Contact: Policing Board or Office of the Police Ombudsman
Contact Number: 028 90408500/0845 6012931
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New youth research published - 20th January
A new report published today by the Electoral Commission looking at young people's attitudes towards the democratic process in Northern Ireland has revealed that 41% of 16-24 year olds feel that politicians do not listen to their views. However, 67% said they would vote for a politician who listened and responded to their concerns.
Drawing on research by the Institute for Conflict Research (ICR) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the report found that half of 16-24 year olds expressed an interest in politics but many are disengaged from mainstream politics.
Contact: Jennifer Hamilton
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Migration and Northern Ireland - 10th January
In an article for Spectrum - Journal of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), Neil Jarman provides an overview of changing migration patterns into Northern Ireland
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Troubled Youth? - 4th January
A new report on young people's experiences of various forms of violence and anti-social behaviour has just been published. The report looks at the relationships between communities on either side of the sectarian divide and the role of young people in defining these as antagonistic, hostile and suspicious.
Copies of the report are available in pdf format on this site, and hard copies can be obtained by contacting ICR on 028 9074 2682. Ulf Hansson, author of this report, has carried out various other projects with ICR over the last few years. Other publications are available on the site or can be ordered from ICR. Please see our order form for publications available for purchase.
Contact: Ulf Hansson
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Belfast, Brum & Paris - 1st January
Neil Jarman highlights some parallels between the riots here and those in Birmingham and Paris; he concludes that better communication - both locally and politically - is essential.
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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New foundations? - 5th December
Reinventing Development? Translating rights-based approaches from theory into practice. Edited by Paul Gready & Jonathan Ensor, published by ZED books.
Neil Jarman writes on human rights and peace-building in Northern Ireland and looks at the issues of parades and policing
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Round and round we go? - 14th November
Sectarianism is a huge problem in Northern Ireland, but few voluntary and community groups focus on it, argues Neil Jarman in an article for SCOPE.
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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Teenage kicks - 10th November
Jonny Byrne, Ulf Hansson and Neil Jarman describe their experiences of conducting community research with young people in Northern Ireland
Contact: ICR Office
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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ICR welcomes new intern - 6th November
Danielle Blaylock has joined ICR for a six-month period. Danielle is a graduate in the applied social psychology program at Claremont Graduate University and her career goal is to work for the U.S. government or for an NGO in a research oriented position.
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ICR Launch New Web Site - 2nd November
ICR officially launch their new web-site on Wednesday 2nd November. This will provide up to date information on the various projects that ICR are working on and will give access to a number of publications.
In providing access to a number of resources our aim is to share our findings with other organisations carrying out work similar to our own and build up a knowledge base of our findings.
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Report on Violence in the Short Strand - 31st October
A new report on Violence in the Short Strand Area of Belfast during 2002 has just been published. Copies of the report are available in pdf format on this site, and hard copies can be obtained by contacting ICR on 028 9074 2682.
Jonny Byrne author of this report has carried out various other projects with ICR, over the last few years.
Other publications are available on the site or can be ordered from ICR. Please see our order form for publications available for purchase.
Contact: The ICR Office
Contact Number: +44 (0)2890 742 682
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