News, Events & Publications
Press releases Please see a list of our press releases - to read or download these, click on the corresponding link. 'Racist attacks in South Belfast' - to view the press release, click here 'Spate of racist incidents in Moygashel and Cookstown' - click here 'Roma families depart Belfast' - click here Latest news on the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill has been passed into law. It was introduced into the House of Lords in January 2009, with amendments, and passed by the House of Commons in July 2009, with amendments. The House of Lords agreed to the Commons amendments on The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act comprises the following: Please click on the following link for our latest submission on the Act. Read on to find out more on our lobbying campaign against the Act.
BORDERS, CITIZENSHIP
STEP are currently partaking in a lobbying campaign against the introduction of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill, which is currently passing through the legislative process in
Described as a ‘shake-up’ in current legislation, some of consequences of the Bill include:
- Structural changes to merge customs and immigration services functions.
- Changes in citizenship requirements.
- Changes to the Common Travel Area, rules concerning students,
- Fingerprinting of deportees and extension of sections on the UK Borders Act 2007 to
- Transfer of judicial review arrangements and duty for the welfare of children.
The Bill is now at Report Stage and Third Reading, which will take place on Tuesday 14 July. This is your last chance to halt or change the Bill in the Commons, so it is crucial to act now! To view the latest press release on the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill, click here.
STEP's position on the Bill
We believe that the introduction of this Bill will cause greater deprivation and discrimination to immigrants, migrant workers and their families. We believe that it will further curtail accountability of public agencies and collective and individual human rights as we have seen through our client case work.
The Bill stands contrary to the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and EU Directive 2004/38 - namely that it proposes to discriminate on the grounds of nationality and limits free movement throughout and into the EU.
We have listed our specific concerns on the Bill in a formal briefing paper which we sent to Northern
After the committee stage of the process during which further amendments to the Bill were discussed at the House of Lords, we submitted a second bulletin, reiterating our concerns. To view this second submission, click here
The Bill has now passed through committee stage. It will have a third reading and vote on 22 April - it will then move on to the House of Commons if passed. If you would like to see our third submission, click on the link here
STEP staff join forces with UNISON migrant worker members at Stormont rally
On Tuesday 19 May, a joint submission was presented to Northern Ireland MPs urging them to oppose the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill. The submission was presented by UNISON migrant worker members and STEP Policy and Research Worker Michael Potter. The rally called upon UNISON members, black and minority ethnic organisations, politicians and other community groups to gather at Stormont in protest of the Bill.
To view the joint submission, click on the following link here:
What you can do to oppose the Bill
You can contribute by:
- Raising concerns with political representatives
- Contacting members of the House of Lords to raise concerns (see http://www.parliament.uk/about/how/members/lords_contact.cfm)
- Encouraging discussion on the issues within your own organisations, networks and communities
- Sharing your concerns with STEP to include in future representations
At this stage in the parliamentary process, our concerns and objections have been acknowledged by
The next step…
The third reading of the Bill will take place on March 10. We will keep you updated on the progress of the Bill as it progresses through
Links to further information:
The Bill as introduced can be read at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldbills/015/2009015.pdf
The debate for the Second Reading in the Lords is at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldhansrd/text/90211-0003.htm#09021171000387
A briefing by the Law Centre (NI) is at: http://www.lawcentreni.org/Policy/Briefing%20papers/borders.htm
Some of our past events...
Evening Debate
“Free movement of persons in the recession period”
Speakers included:
Mr Tony Venables, Director, European Citizen Action Service (ECAS)
Ms Madeleine Sumption, Associate Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute (MPI)
Mr Jakob Von Weizsäcker, Research Fellow, BRUEGEL think-tank
Conference
“Who is responsible for the vulnerable intra-EU migrants and how does the current economic crisis affect them?”
The conference was held at the European Economic and Social Committee. It opened with a Citizen’s Group as the first item on the agenda and closed with a summary of conclusions and recommendations. A wide range of professional groups were in attendance, including European and national level decision makers, local authorities, various non–government organizations and academics.
Speakers included:
Mr Tony Venables, Director, European Citizen Action Service (ECAS)
Dr Dirk Gebhardt, Programme Officer, Migration and Integration, EUROCITIES
Ms Ewa Sadowska, Chief Executive Officer, Barka
Ms Siobhan O’Donoghue, Director, Migrant Rights Centre (MRCI)
Mrs Bernadette Mc Aliskey, Director, South Tyrone Empowerment Programme, S.T.E.P.
Dr Catherine Péquart, Director General, Association Charonne
Mr Freek Spinnewijn, Director of European Federation of National Organizations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA)
For more information about the project please visit www.ecas.org. For further information contact Clelia Casalino on (+32) 02 548 98 27 or by e-mail: clelia.casalino@ecas.org.
If you would like to find out more information about the conference from STEP, contact our Network Development Officer, keelin@stepni.org
Other previous events...
Conference delegates enjoy the International Fair during the conference in Armagh City Hotel
Event: European Conference on Integration - Integration: A process, not a problem
Date: 29th & 30th October 2008
Venue: Armagh City Hotel
To view press release about event, please click here
We have recently launched the conference report entitled: 'Integration - a process, not a problem'. To download a copy of this report, please click here
Event : Launch of Capital Build Project, Ballysaggart Business Complex
Date: Wed 2nd July 2008
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Venue: Ballysaggart Business Park
To discuss rental of work space, contact Fintan on 028 87729002.
STEP RECEIVES HUMANITARIAN AWARD AT THE IRISH WORLD NEWSPAPER AWARDS IN LONDON
To read press release click here
If you would like any additional information please contact us on 028 8772 9002.
Workshop Information Session - 'Social Security Rights and Entitlements of Migrant Workers'
MWSN SEMINAR EVENT - RACISM:INSIGHTS
The Migrant Worker Support Network (MWSN) held the first in a series of seminar events planned for 2007/2008. The first seminar on Friday 9 November was held to coincide with Anti-Racism Workplace Week. The seminar entitled ‘Racism: Insights’ aimed to examine the impact and effects of racism on individuals and society, whilst providing members with opportunities to meet professionals working in the areas of racism and Migrant Worker rights.
Each member was given the opportunity to attend two workshops from a choice of four. Workshop speakers included: Denise Cranston, Diversity Director for Business in the Community; Anne McKernan, Casework Director for the Equality Commission NI; Ligia Parizzi, Anti-Racism Officer for Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council; and Mel Corry, from Trademark, a voluntary organisation tackling discriminatory practices.
The event proved to be very successful and informative for all those who attended.
MWSN WEBSITE LAUNCH
The new Migrant Worker Support Network website was launched on Tuesday 2nd of October at 9.30 am at The Cohannon Inn, Dungannon.
- Please click here
- Please click here