Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - News

03 October 2010

I wish to let you know about a new NICRAS/RAG initiative, RITON (Refugees in Time of Need). We hope to get this off the ground shortly but we need some volunteers first! We are looking for people who can provide practical assistance and moral support to people within the asylum system. RITON will provide assistance in the following situations:

At police stations when asylum seekers go to ‘report’ (i.e. ‘sign in’) with the police at regular intervals. For many people, ‘reporting’ is a fairly routine event, however, for individuals who are at risk of being detained, reporting can be extremely stressful. The volunteer will attend the police station with the asylum seeker and will notify the RITON co-coordinator immediately if the person is detained. This will enable NICRAS/RAG to respond quickly to the detention e.g. informing solicitors, obtaining medication, packing up belongings, etc.

- At asylum Tribunal / court hearings. The volunteer will provide moral support throughout the hearing, which can be an extremely draining and emotional experience for asylum seekers. The volunteer will be on hand to provide any practical support, e.g. keeping an eye on children, helping keep papers in order, etc.

- Assisting asylum seekers report hate crimes to the PSNI.

RITON is also exploring whether volunteers can attend Home Office asylum interviews with individuals. Again, the volunteer will be on hand to provide moral and practical support.

Another possible role for RITON volunteers who can provide desk-based research about conditions in the country of origin. Many asylum seekers are asked to provide evidence about their case (e.g. a news story that confirms that arrests took place in a particular place), however, doing this kind of research can be extremely difficult for those who are not internet savvy! We are still looking into this.

Anyone can be a RITON volunteer. You do not need to have any knowledge of the asylum system, nor any understanding of court proceedings. You do not need to have access to transport or to have any language skills (although both might be useful!). It does not matter what your own immigration status is. All we ask is that you are a compassionate person who is able to keep calm in difficult circumstances (such as witnessing a detention taking place), and who is able to volunteer a couple of hours each month. All volunteers must undergo training which will take place at Law Centre (NI), 124 Donegall Street on Tuesday 12^th October at 5pm – 6.30pm