Migrant integration and community safety are interconnected issues that require a contextualised and coordinated approach. This is particularly relevant to the border region between Ireland and Northern Ireland, following the UK withdrawal from the EU and where implications of a post-conflict society can be seen more generally for the economic, social and cultural integration of migrants in Ireland and Northern Ireland.  

IOM has just released a new report assessing migrant safety and community policing in border regions between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Access the report here. 

By surveying and assessing perceptions towards migrant communities and the perceptions of migrants themselves in relation to feelings of safety, crime and policing in border communities between Ireland and Northern Ireland, this assessment aims to improve understanding in these communities in relation to:  

   - the types of crimes being committed;  

   - the barriers to enhancing community safety for vulnerable migrants;  

   - possible interventions to reduce the fear of crime;  

   - ways to improve confidence and trust in police services and local populations.  

The assessment is primarily qualitative through community safety perception surveys among (1) the general public, and (2) government and law enforcement officials working in the border region. IOM carried out on street and in-person, community safety perception surveys in six selected locations in the border region to understand community and public perceptions towards migrants and crime. Public perception surveys received 87 responses. A further 54 responses were received by government and law enforcement officials. Nine open-ended, in-depth interviews were also carried out with key stakeholders working in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Survey results and interviews were analysed to provide an overview of key highlights and identified trends. 

Key Findings: 

CROSS-BORDER CHALLENGES POST-BREXIT  

- Although migrants reported less frequent border crossings compared to others, a significant number of third country nationals continue to cross the border despite post- “Brexit” and immigration restrictions for shopping, tourism, or visiting friends and family. 

- Concerns have been raised about the necessity for identity documents during immigration, particularly affecting individuals from ethnic minority or migrant backgrounds, leading to valid concerns about racial profiling and the inadvertent creation of an "invisible border." 

- Smuggling and human trafficking are prominent cross-border challenges for law enforcement.  

- Obstacles in cross-border cooperation and political tensions hinder border operations, limiting law enforcement's effectiveness in addressing prevalent crimes like smuggling and human trafficking.  

- Criminals exploiting the border to evade law enforcement is a recurring concern, emphasizing the need for close cross-border cooperation.

COMMUNITY SAFETY  

- While both law enforcement and the general public generally perceive their community as safe, the general public tends to report a lower level of safety compared to law enforcement.  

- Several community safety issues in the border regions are identified, including personal safety concerns, perceptions of rising crime, diversity and immigration-related concerns, a call for increased policing, gender-based safety concerns, and the imperative to address hate speech and discrimination for overall community safety.  

- Both the general public and law enforcement respondents acknowledge common barriers faced by ethnic minorities and migrants in reporting crime or safety concerns. Primary obstacles include language barriers, lack of trust, and immigration concerns. 

LEVELS OF FAMILIARITY, INTERACTIONS, AND TRUST  

- Overall, both law enforcement and the general public expressed familiarity with each other as a positive trend. However, respondents with an ethnic minority or migrant background express lower levels of familiarity with law enforcement compared to the community perspective.  

- While the majority of border communities’ express confidence in law enforcement treating individuals with dignity and respect, 30% believe that personal prejudices and biases influence law enforcement actions in their communities.  

- There is consensus among the public and law enforcement on the need for heightened on-street policing, community interaction, and participation in local events to foster relationships and understanding.  

The outcomes of the assessment provide an evidence base for future research and capacity building on the issue, offering valuable information from the community concerning their needs and concerns, and outlining avenues to work with community members to improve general community safety. As such, the report highlights a number of key recommendations which focus on: 

    1- Policy, research and communication. 

    2- Community engagement and policing.  

    3- Intercultural mediation and training.  

For further information, please contact

Andrew Chisholm, achisholm@iom.int.

Abir Soleiman, asoleiman@iom.int.