E-bulletin August 2007

The National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) was established in 1998 and is an independent expert body, primarily funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, focusing on racism and interculturalism. This monthly e-bulletin is designed to provide relevant and up to date information in the areas of anti-racism and interculturalism. If you have information about events, campaigns, initiatives or publications etc related to racism and interculturalism in Ireland, we would like to hear from you. To send information or to subscribe/unsubscribe to this email bulletin, please send email to info@nccri.ie

Contents

1. Policy and Legislative Updates

Irish Developments

• Programme for the Irish Government
• New policy for Migrant Workers made Redundant
• Family Reunification for Workers - Guidelines Published on INIS Website
• Lenihan Announces Integration Taskforce
• NCCRI Urges Garda to Review Decision on Turban Ban

EU/International Developments

• UK Plans to Spend €1.2 Billion on e-Borders Program
• First meeting of FRA's Management Board in Vienna
• Management Board Adopts FRA's First Work Programme
• Public Consultation on Discrimination
• New OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
• Federal Provinces in Austria Defend Integrated Persons and Families Faced with Deportation
• Spanish Immigrants Contribute Significantly to GDP Growth
• European Commission Proposal to Establish a European Migration Network (EMN)

2. Upcoming Funding Deadlines / Awards

• The One Foundation Small Grant Scheme
• Artist in Youth Work Residency Award 2007
• Publications Grants from the Citizens Information Board
• A Right to Peace? A Conference
• Star Awards for Adult Learning Projects
• Katharine Howard Foundation General Grant
• Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund
• Call for Proposals: Youth in Action 1 – Youth for Europe Pilot Projects on Thematic Networking
• St Stephen's Green Trust Grants Scheme
• Youth Arts Development Award 2007
• Community Foundation for Ireland: Philanthropist of the Year Awards
• 2007 Adults Continuing Education (ACE) Awards

3. Events, Courses and Initiatives

• Festival of World Cultures 2007, Dun laoghaire, 24 - 26 August 2007
• Common Ground: Working Together in a Developing World
• Migrants Forum – 2^nd September
• SARI Culture Club
• Rights and Righteousness: Religious Pluralism and Human
• INCORE's Diversity in Action: Race and Media
• Youth Holocaust Awareness-raising Initiative
• The Future of Social Housing in EU: Welfare Transformation and Demographic Change in Europe: Challenges for the Social Housing Sector
• Irish Travellers and the 'Troubles'
• OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting
• Latin American Spanish & Portuguese Classes at LASC
• Courses in Equality Studies at UCD
• Celebrating the 60^th Anniversary of Indian Independence
• Conference on Integration and Embracing Diversity
• 11th study session for persons involved in providing legal assistance to Roma and Travellers, Strasbourg/France
• MPhil in Ethnic and Racial Studies
• Communicating Across Language Barriers Courses
• One thousand years of Turkish Mysticism: Philosophy, Music, Poetry and Images.
• Dealing With Common Cross-Border Queries
• Women's Participation in the Peace III Programme
• First Training Network for Ethnic Entrepreneurs and Employees
• Facilitating Equality - Reflection, Analysis and Practice
• The Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders
• The Future of Civil Society in the UK and Ireland: a Public Inquiry
• Preventing Ill-Treatment – Ireland and the OPCAT
• All Ireland Programme for Immigrant Parents Consultation

4. Job Opportunities/ Calls for Tender

• Open Call for Tender: Discrimination and Victimisation in EU Member States: Experiences and Attitudes of Immigrants and Other Minorities
• Front Line: Conference Assistant with Languages
• Ballyfermot Travellers Action Project: Tutors / Facilitators
• SPIRASI: Administrative Assistant to the Volunteer Coordinator
• Nasc: Project Officer
• Vincentian Refugee Centre: Clerical Officer
• EU Call for Tender for the Provision of Reports and Studies on Legal Issues Concerning the Promotion and Protection of Fundamental Rights in the European Union
• SPIRASI's Centre for Education and Integration of Migrants (CEIM): Invitation to Tender for 'Art and Integration' Project Evaluation
• Ballyhoura Development: Part-Time Development Officer - Integration Project
• ENAR- Policy Officer
• ECRE – Legal Internship

5. Recent Publications and Resources

• Conference on European Coalition of Cities Against Racism- Speeches and Results Available Online
• Globalisation and Quality of Life
• MRCI Annual Report 2006
• Migrant Ireland – August Issue
• PICUM and MRI Workshop on the International Human Rights Framework & Undocumented Migrants
• Exchange- Information on Social Protection and Inclusion in the EU
• Resettlement by Europe. The Actual Role and Potential of European NGOs. A Report by ECRI.
• FRA publication: Multi-year trends on racism
• FRA DataBase: Now Including Information on cCase Law and Positive Initiatives
• OECD publication on Migration Management
• Observatory presents Report on Social Housing and Integration of Immigrants
• Roma Education Fund Annual Report 2006
• OSCE/CoE Publication on National Minority Issues
• New OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
• OECD Publication on Migration Management
• New Internet Resources Against Discrimination
• United Kingdom Commission on Integration and Cohesion Publishes its Final Report

---

Policy and Legislative Updates

Irish Developments

Programme for the Irish Government

The Programme for Government 2007 sets out the government's plans for Ireland's development over the coming five years. The new Programme for Government reiterates the commitment contained in Towards 2016 around managing economic migration. It also contains commitments in relation to

• Promoting successful integration in schools by increasing the number of language support teachers, provide access to English language classes for adult immigrants and ensuring the Irish education system and personnel are well-equipped for a multi-cultural society
• Speedily reviewing and enacting the proposed Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill.
• Ensure advice and assistance is provided for in appropriate languages at ports of entry, that legal aid is available in immigration cases and ensure a visibly independent appeal process
• Further developing the scheme for family reunification for family members of non-EEA nationals and consider, in the context of the Bill, allowing partners of permit holders to work following reunification and permanent residency.
• Establishing a Ministry for Integration to develop a national integration policy, based on equality principles and broader social inclusion measures. The new government will also support the services offered by ethnic led non-governmental organizations working with the immigrant community, in particular those which provide for the educational, cultural and linguistic needs of migrant workers.
• Ratifying the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Trafficking in Persons of the Exploitation and of the Prostitution of Others and introducing tougher penalties for trafficking, ensure greater prosecution of traffickers and improve support services for their victims

For the full text: www.taoiseach.gov.ie/index.asp?locID=566&docID=-1

New Policy for Migrant Workers Made Redundant

The national Training and Employment Authority (FAS) has confirmed that non-EEA work permit holders with an Immigration 'Stamp 1' who have been made redundant can access both the self-service facilities of the FAS Employment Services offices as well as availing of an interview with an Employment Services Officer if they wish. In addition, a new policy has been agreed whereby work-permit holders who become redundant can now be registered on FAS's database and actively matched against any suitable and available jobs. www.fas.ie

Family Reunification for Workers – Guidelines Published on INIS Website

Procedures for applications for family reunification for workers have been published on the INIS website. These included details of eligibility and documents required. Please check this website regularly for any changes in policy or procedure.

www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/WP07000160

Lenihan Announces Integration Taskforce

Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister for Integration announced that he will set up a taskforce on integration as part of a set of strategies to address the important integration challenges faced by Ireland in the years ahead.

The main aims of the taskforce will include:

• Identifying key issues affecting new communities
  Consulting widely with both new immigrants and the Irish community, including their representative groups
• Visiting areas where immigrants are numerically significant to see and hear first-hand about their experiences and to examine the areas of concerns and interest to immigrant and non-immigrant residents
• Synthesizing and capitalising on experience, research and studies already carried out in the integration area
• Reporting back with recommendations

Minister Lenihan outlined the timeframe of the work of the taskforce, saying that the group should report back within a year of its appointment. He explained that the taskforce would be composed of people with a clear expertise and understanding of integration issues. www.pobail.ie

NCCRI Urges Garda to Review Decision on Turban Ban

The NCCRI has urged the Garda to review its decision not to allow a Sikh recruit to wear a turban as part of his uniform. The National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism has written to the Garda Commissioner offering the NCCRI as a mediator on this issue. The group's director Philip Watt said: "The Gardai could compromise on this and there may be solutions which haven't been fully explored." Wed, 22 Aug 2007 www.irishtimes.ie

EU/International Developments

UK Plans to Spend £1.2 Billion on e-Borders Programme

The United Kingdom government plans to spend £1.2 billion on its e-Borders program over the next decade, as the electronic passenger-screening system is fully implemented.

The e-Borders program requires ferry companies and airlines to submit detailed information about passengers prior to departure to or from the United Kingdom. Names that arouse suspicion can then be investigated by the country's Border and Immigration Agency, HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs), Police and U.K. Visas before travelers have embarked on their journey. e-Borders has so far screened 29 million passengers and issued 13,000 alerts which have resulted in more than 1,000 arrests, according to the Home Office. According to Gordon Brown, U.K. Prime Minister "The way forward is electronic screening of all passengers as they check in and out of our country at ports and airports--so that terrorist suspects can be identified and stopped before they board planes, trains and boats to the United Kingdom." www.egovonline.net/news/news-details.asp?newsid=10276

First meeting of FRA's Management Board in Vienna

The new Management Board of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights held its inaugural meeting on 12 and 13 July. The Board is composed of one independent person appointed by each of the 27 Member States of the European Union, one independent person appointed by the Council of Europe, and two representatives of the European Commission. Among other key decisions, the meeting saw the election of Anastasia Crickley as Chairperson and Hannes Tretter as Vice-Chairperson of the new Management Board.
www.fra.europa.eu/fra/index.php?fuseaction

Management Board Adopts FRA's First Work Programme

The new Management Board adopted the work programme for 2007. Pursuant to its founding Regulation, the Agency continues to work in the field of the fight against racism, xenophobia and related intolerance until the adoption of the Agency's first Multiannual Framework by the Council. The Framework is expected to be in place by 2008 and will determine the thematic areas of the Agency's future work. FRA, in addition, can respond to requests from the European Parliament, the Council or the Commission. Upon her election as Chair of the Board, Anastasia Crickley stated: "We all know that 2007 will be a period of change and opportunity for the Agency. We must give it the time, resources and necessary support to be fully functioning in 2008."
www.fra.europa.eu/fra/index.php?...LongLink...

European Public Consultation on Discrimination

In line with the aims of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for all, 4 July saw the launch of an online consultation on combating discrimination in the Member States and at EU level. This initiative will help the European Commission to develop new measures to tackle discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in areas beyond employment.
ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=Discrimination

New OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities

Former Foreign Minister of Norway, Knut Vollebaek, was appointed as OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities for a three-year term. He succeeds Rolf Ekeus of Sweden.
www.osce.org/item/25446.html

Federal Provinces in Austria Defend Integrated Persons and Families Faced with Deportation

Amidst a large number of local initiatives aimed at averting the deportation of integrated families, the parliaments of six (out of nine) federal provinces adopted resolutions calling for integrated persons, particularly families, being granted the right to stay. The independent Human Rights Advisory Board recommended a number of amendments to Austria's aliens' law.
volksgruppen.orf.at/diversity/stories/69326/

www.menschenrechtsbeirat.at/cms/index.php

Spanish Immigrants Contribute Significantly to GDP Growth

According to a study by Fundacion de Estudios de Econom ía Aplicada (Fedea), over 90% of the 1.6% rise in GDP per capita registered from 2001-2005 was due to immigrants' inclusion into the job market.
www.fedea.es/

European Commission Proposal to Establish a European Migration Network (EMN)

The Commission has tabled today a proposal for a Council Decision establishing a European Migration Network (EMN) in order to meet the Hague Programme's request for a more 'effective provision of up-to-date information and data on all relevant migratory developments', and to contribute to more informed policy- and decision-making in the ongoing development of a common European immigration and asylum policy. For more information on the activities of Vice-President Frattini, please visit his website at
www.ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/frattini/index_en.htm

---

2. Upcoming Funding/ Awards

The One Foundation Small Grant Scheme

"Enabling Minority Children to Access Mainstream Activities"

The One Foundation is a philanthropic foundation whose mission over 10 years is to improve the lives of vulnerable people - children, minority communities and people with mental health problems - in Ireland.

Over the past 12 years, Ireland has undergone a radical transformation - economic success, a widening gap between rich and poor, reduced influence of the Catholic Church, and we have become a more heterogeneous society.

The One Foundation recognises the new challenge of ensuring mainstream child and youth services and facilities are accessible to all children, and specifically minority children in Ireland.

Research from other countries has shown that tensions between host societies and new communities often don't surface initially, but more often with the second generation of minority children who can find themselves marginalised and isolated from mainstream society. We believe we can learn from the experiences in France, the UK and elsewhere, and support organisations in Ireland to put in place activities, approaches, strategies and policies that will seek to ensure that minority children are not isolated from main-stream society.

In response to this, the One Foundation would like to offer organisations and groups the chance to apply for once-off funding for work that will support and promote the inclusion of minority children and young people into the on-going activities of child and youth-serving organisations.

This is first time we have offered this type of grant and feel it is an opportunity for us all to gather learning and knowledge on best practices to support and enable equal access for minority children and young people. This fund can be used to address this issue where ever your organisation is currently at and to help you get where you want to be in terms of developing projects, programmes or an intercultural policy.

The grants awarded will range from euro 1,000 to euro 20,000. They will be awarded based on ability to demonstrate some of the following:
1) Good practice
2) Innovation
3) A model that can be replicated
4) Policies & Strategies for increasing accessibility, promoting access.

We plan to convene all successful applicants towards the end of 2007/early 2008 to share their plans and experiences to maximise learning across organisations. In addition, we may ask you to participate in an independent evaluation.

How to apply:

The closing date for completed applications is Monday September 12th at 12 noon and successful applicants will be notified by letter in October.

Funds will need to be drawn down by December 1st 2007, however the programme need not commence until 2008. Please read the funding guidelines in full prior to submitting your application to us. We would also like you to include two written independent references who we may contact by phone.

All applications should be sent to:
Vicky Brown, Portfolio Manager
The One Foundation
4th Floor, National College of Ireland Research Building
Mayor Street, Dublin 1

Or emailed to: vickybrown@onefoundation.ie

Funding Terms:

1. The proposal must be for:
a. A mainstream open access programme (not referral-based)
b. Participation by children or young people

2. The funding could be for:
a. work that pro-actively seeks to include minority children
b. development of an intercultural policy or strategy
c. initial scoping to determine good practice/effective approaches

3. Funds must be drawn down before December 2007

4. You agree to attend one or more convenings and share your learning and experiences

5. You are willing to participate in an external evaluation
6. You will submit a final report detailing the impact of the funding and outcomes achieved.

We will NOT fund:

• An individual or proposal that will directly benefit an individual
• Programmes that are for minority children only
• Work that has already taken place
• Services that are referral based – must be open access to all children
• Capital costs (buildings/mini buses etc)
• Organisations who are in serious financial deficit
• Academic research
• Work outside Republic of Ireland.

Artist in Youth Work Residency award 2007

The Artist in Youth Work Residency award is offered as a means of extending and enhancing opportunities for young people to experience and participate in the arts.

The aim of the Residency award is to encourage artistic collaboration between professional artists and young people. Young people will have the opportunity to work with and learn from practitioners of excellence in their field. Equally, artists will have the opportunity to enrich their own professional practice through the contextual experience of working with young people.

TERMS OF THE RESIDENCY
During 2007, 3 awards will be offered:

1. Artist in Youth Work Residency (rural area)
2. Artist in Youth Work Residency (urban area)
3. Youth Arts Development Grant

Artist in Youth Work Residency – rural youth arts development
Youth organisations, or consortiums of organisations working with young people in a specific rural area, are invited to apply for funding to deliver a youth arts project with a professional artist. Applicants are required to state their chosen art form and project plan – the NYAP can provide information on recommended artists to guide the project or applicants may nominate their chosen artist.

For the purposes of this scheme, 'rural' is understood to mean all areas outside those listed in the urban category below.

Artist in Youth Work Residency – urban youth arts development
Youth organisations, or consortiums of organisations working with young people in a specific urban area, are invited to apply for funding to deliver a youth arts project with a professional artist. Applicants are required to state their chosen art form and project plan – the NYAP can provide information on recommended artists to guide the project or applicants may nominate their chosen artist.

For the purposes of this scheme, areas designated as 'urban' are the following cities: Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Galway. Please do not submit an application in this category if your project is not based in one of the above areas.

Note: Priority will be given to applications from organisations that wish to incorporate youth arts into their activities on an ongoing basis, and that can provide evidence of this sustainability in their applications.

What is a Residency?
Residencies are understood to involve a professional artist working with a youth group within a particular youth work setting, whether a building or locale, over a defined period of time. The youth group - both youth worker and young people themselves - will have direct input into the project.

The focus of the collaboration must be a project in which the members of the youth group and the artist work together in order to realise their artistic aims. This may entail the artist making work with the members of the youth group, or the youth group making the work under the guidance of the artist. Ongoing consultation between the artist and the youth group will decide the nature and outcomes of the project.

All residencies should:

• Provide opportunities for the professional growth of the artist
• Provide opportunities for the personal and creative growth of the youth group members
• Allow for a 'settling in' period for the artist
• Introduce the artist to the relevant people (staff, youth group, board of directors) and generally look after the artist's practical and personal needs
• Be sufficiently publicised to ensure full community awareness of the nature and purpose of the residency and the role and work of the artist
• Nominate a dedicated youth worker as residency liaison both before and during the residency
• Allow time for a preparation period between the artist and the host organisation, prior to any work commencing with the youth group. During this period, roles and responsibilities, aims and objectives, outcomes and materials needed are to be agreed. Sufficient time and money should be allocated for this preparation period within the residency proposal, as it will determine the quality of the relationships, processes and work produced.
• Duration: The Residency may last from six weeks (minimum) to six months (maximum). Shorter projects may demand a greater frequency of contact between the artist and the group to deliver on the aims of the project.
• Who can apply?
  The Artist in Youth Work Residency Scheme is open to applications from established youth organisations, or a consortium of such youth organisations, whether locally based independent groups or groups affiliated to voluntary or statutory youth organisations. Youth Work in this context is understood to mean a planned systematic non-formal educational process which assists and enhances the personal and social development of young people, complementary to formal school education.
  
  

  Applications will not be accepted where:

  - No host organisation has been identified

  - The host organisation is not a youth work organisation

  - Capital expenses are sought

  How much will be awarded?

  Funding of up to euro 15,000 will be awarded to successful Residency applicants.

  
  Awards are made primarily to cover the costs of the artists' fees, but applicants may also indicate materials, administration and travel costs. All applicants are expected to raise a significant amount of income or other funding. The Arts Council does not wish to be the sole funding body but to be a financial contributor alongside local or other contributors.

  
  The National Youth Arts Programme can advise applicants on other potential sources of funding, if required.

The deadline for receipt of application forms is 5pm, Thursday September 20th, 2007
For further information and application packs, please contact Deirdre Brady at NYCI, Tel: 01 4784122, Deirdre@nyci.ie

Publications Grants from the Citizens Information Board

The Publications Grants Scheme supports voluntary organisations with an information dissemination role to meet specific publication needs.

Small grants are available ranging from euro 254 - euro 3,000. Publications are generally part-funded. Repeat grants are possible in certain circumstances.

Publications that provide information on social services and entitlements may be funded. Previous awards have been made to organisations to publish leaflets on entitlements or directories of specialist services. On-going publications such as newsletters, or grants to publish research are not usually considered under this scheme.

Information on grants and forms are available from the,
Administrator for Information Publications & Social Policy Service,
Citizens Information Board
7th Floor Hume House
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Tel 01 605 9000

Download application form (pdf file) from
www.citizensinformationboard.ie/providers/providers_voluntary_grants.html

A Right to Peace? A Conference

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's Annual Conference will take place on 21 September, the International Day of Peace.

It will examine the concept of a right to peace through presentations and workshops.

The event is free of charge and will be held at the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick, Co Antrim.

For further details, visit www.nihrc.org

Contact Nadia Downing Information Worker
Email: nadia.downing@nihrc.org
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Temple Court, 39 North Street
Belfast BT1 1NA

Telephone: +44 (0)28 9024 3987
Text phone: +44 (0)28 9024 9066
Fax: +44 (0)28 9024 7844

Star Awards for Adult Learning Projects

AONTAS is delighted to invite nominations for the STAR Awards 2008 which take place on Monday, 4 February 2008 as part of the second annual Adult Learners' Festival. The STAR Awards Ceremony is kindly sponsored by FETAC. Eleven Awards in total will be granted to adult learning projects based within the island of Ireland.

The STAR Awards is about showcasing teamwork and awarding recognition – it is about acknowledging the fantastic work being done by adult learning projects throughout the country! Most of all, it is about celebrating the positive contribution that these project make to our society, our economy and our local communities.

What are we looking for?
Nominated projects should demonstrate the following criteria:

A high level of teamwork and partnership amongst participant groups
we are looking for evidence of teamwork, partnership and cooperation between diverse groups. Projects should demonstrate links with a range of relevant actors, to include local Vocational Education Committees (Vices), key community and voluntary interests, learners, employers, employment services and relevant State agencies. For example, the teamwork involved could be between learners, tutors and course providers; or between community, voluntary and statutory groups.

A learner-centered approach to education provision
each nominated project should have the learner at its core. We are looking for projects that include the process of learner engagement in identifying needs. Models of participative learning should also be demonstrated and projects should be relevant to learners' personal, social and cultural needs, prior learning and 'Labour market needs.

Adult education practice and methodologies
Nominated projects should show examples of good adult education practice, such as how the project's curriculum was built around the learners' needs or interests, examples of how the learners' experiences contributed to the process or outcomes of the project, or the use of active participation and reflection during the project. Examples of how some aspects of the project contribute to social change, promote equality or social justice, or empower communities or individuals could also be used.

You do not have to be involved in the project you are nominating for a STAR Award. However, we welcome nominations from projects themselves or from people directly involved in the project they are nominating.

The closing date for receipt of nominations is Friday, 19 October 2007 at 5pm

for more information and application forms check www.aontas.com/adultlearnersfestival/

Katharine Howard Foundation General Grant

Closing date for applications: 28th September 2007

The Katharine Howard Foundation (KHF) is an independent grant-making Foundation whose particular emphasis is on the support of community projects and initiatives. KHF was established in 1979 by Katharine Howard and is operated through a voluntary Board of Trustees and small support staff.

The Foundation supports organizations and projects related to work in disadvantaged areas throughout Ireland, with Co. Wexford and South Wicklow (where the late Miss Howard lived) given particular consideration.

The Trustees are keen to support the formation and development of community groups by those who live in the area, especially where this will lead to building co-operation and community spirit at a local level. KHF concentrates on giving a small grant to projects where it will make an impact and the Foundation therefore looks favorably towards start-up projects and to those that might be co-funded from other sources. They are also interested in projects that seek to learn the lessons arising from their work and that involve themselves in informing policy at a local and national level.

Funding for research studies that aim to produce positive recommendations for improving the quality of life of disadvantaged sections of the community will also be considered through the General Grant applications. The Foundation is particularly interested in co-funding action research projects that link to early intervention and family support in disadvantaged areas.

Applications will be considered for Projects supporting:

• Families
• Children and young people
• People with disabilities
• Older people
• Refugee and asylum seekers

Provided that these projects:
- Are community based
- Involve the targeted group in their design and management.

Grants will not be considered to:

• Individuals
• Organisations operating outside of Ireland
• Medical or health related research where attached to a larger organisations
• Sport organisations
• Art or entertainment
• Organisations where a small grant will make little impact

Grants are normally in the range of euro 500 - 2,500. In the case of research projects, grants will depend on various factors, including the amount of co-funding secured. Normally grants are once off. However the Trustees are willing to consider an annual grant over two or three years where that is seen to be a more effective use of funding.

For more details and application form check www.khf.ie

Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund

The Simon Cumbers' Media Challenge fund supports media projects highlighting issues in the developing world. Print, photographic, radio and other journalists are encouraged to apply as are those considering a TV documentary on the themes suggested.

The Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund is a funding scheme aimed at assisting and promoting more and better quality media coverage of development issues within the Irish media. The fund is managed by Connect-World on behalf of Irish Aid.

Connect-World is an Irish organisation, created and supported by the development aid community in Ireland, with a mandate to seek to increase the quantity and the type of coverage of international development issues in the media. Connect-World is funded by its sponsors, which include the Irish government and a range of the most significant NGOs.

Upcoming Deadlines:

• Standard Grant Round II - Monday 1 October 2007
• TV Seed Grant Monday 3 March 2008
• Standard Grant Round I - Wednesday 30 April 2008
• Standard Grant Round II - Tuesday 30 September 2008

All information about the administration of the Fund is available at www.connect-world.net/...Long Link...l

Call for Proposals: Youth in Action 1 – Youth for Europe Pilot Projects on Thematic Networking

This call for proposals aims to support the networking of youth exchange projects, youth initiatives and democracy projects underway now or in the past under the Youth in Action Programmed and the Youth Programmed.

Deadline: 01.09.2007

These networks must aim to:

• establish links between projects tackling the same theme;
• pool experiences in a specific thematic field;
• increase the links between youth exchanges, youth initiatives and youth democracy projects;
• Valorise, disseminate and exploit the results of the projects.

The proposed theme must reflect the objectives of the Youth in Action programmed. It shall concern at least one of the programmer's permanent priorities, namely:

• European citizenship;
• participation of young people;
• cultural diversity;
• Inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities.

The project may cover one of the four themes as a whole or deal with a specific aspect or sub-theme forming part of these four themes, for instance the question of combating xenophobia and racism (which comes under the broader theme of cultural diversity) or the inclusion of young people in rural areas (which comes under the broader theme of including young people with fewer opportunities).

Thematic networking will take place at three levels:

• The first stage will involve project organisers and managers, for instance youth organisations, youth workers, etc.;
• The second stage will involve the young people who took part or are taking part in the projects.
  Ideally, the project will aim to cover a wider population by reaching out to other young people as well;
• The third stage will involve youth educators and youth workers, as well as people responsible for youth issues at local, regional, national or European level.

Applicants

Proposals should be submitted by non-profit-making organizations or associations or by local, regional or national bodies with a legal personality which is legally established on the date the application is submitted in one of the Programmed countries: Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey.

The maximum amount a project may be awarded is EUR 100 000. For all queries, please contact: YouthTN@ec.europa.eu in order to apply and for further information please consult the following website:
eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/calls2007/action1/index_en.htm

St Stephen's Green Trust Grants Scheme

It now has 4 Grant Focus areas:

1. Specific areas of disability (Autistic Spectrum Disorder; Hearing Impairment);
2. Development and Integration (Older people in isolation; New Communities; Travellers);
3. Breaking the Link (Homelessness; Offenders);
4. Christian Values and Social Change.

• Who is eligible to apply?
  SSGT will accept applications from voluntary or community organisations, with a CHY or XR number. If the number is pending or if there is no charitable status, the Trust will require copies of the instrument under which the organisation is set up, such as Constitution or Memo and Articles of Association. If your group is does not fit into one of these categories, please check with us before completing an application form.
• New Communities: The Trust is interested in local or county-based projects increasing the integration of new communities into Irish society.
• Travellers: The Trust recognises the multiple layers of disadvantage and racism experienced by Travellers in Irish society. We have a particular interest in locally-based projects seeking to increase the participation of male Travellers in the development of their own community. Initiatives breaking new ground in the area of family support, culturally-appropriate employment initiatives and personal development are especially welcome.
• Ineligible activities
  The Trust cannot consider applications for building costs; general appeals; retrospective funding and individuals.

Deadline for 2007 - 26th October

For guidelines on the new areas, application information and other criteria, please contact Oral O'Neill, Grants & Development Director
email info@ssgt.ie, tell 045 480 666.
St Stephen's Green Trust
PO Box 950, Nanas, Co Kildare
Website: www.ssgt.ie

Youth Arts Development Award 2007

The Youth Arts Development Award is offered as an extension of the Artist in Youth Work Residency Scheme, to further sustainable development of youth arts practice at a local level.

The aim of the Youth Arts Development Award is to encourage the formation of partnerships between relevant agencies and organisations at a local level, to work towards integrated development of long-term youth arts programmes in a specific geographical area.

During 2007, up to euro 20,000 will be awarded to each successful applicant.

Applications are invited from local youth organisations, or a consortium of organisations comprised of a youth organisation with one or more of the following:
- Community Development organisation
- Local Authority
- Arts organisation/venue
- Educational institution (second or third level)
- Business corporation
- Other

The award will fund a fixed period of research and/or development, towards the establishment of long-term, sustainable youth arts programmes at a local level.

The aim of research should be to identify what the needs and opportunities for youth arts development are in the target area. Development projects should be focussed on building partnership models for sustainable practice.
Applicant organisations are required to submit applications (see form below) by 5pm on Monday 3rd September 2007 together with support documents requested.

Applications received will be considered by a panel of independent experts - awards made will be based on applications meeting the criteria for funding. Decisions on funding awards will be announced within two weeks of the deadline above. Unsuccessful applicants may be informed of the reasons for funding decisions made, on request.

For further information and application packs, please contact Deirdre Brady at NYCI, Tel: 01 4784122, Deirdre@nyci.ie

Community Foundation for Ireland: Philanthropist of the Year Awards

The Community Foundation for Ireland (CFI) has announced the inauguration of The Philanthropist of the Year Awards scheme. The awards will be made to individuals in two categories:

• a national award for philanthropic work undertaken in Ireland
• An international philanthropist award.

Closing date for nominations will be 12 October.
An independent panel of adjudicators will announce a shortlist on 1 November and will then select the winners. The awards will be presented at an event in Dublin on 15 November 2007 - International Philanthropy Day.

For further information contact Moira Hogan, CFI
Tel: 01 874 7232 / email mhorgan@bitc.ie
visit www.communityfoundation.ie

2007 Adults Continuing Education (ACE) Awards

Celebrating good practice and the successful creation of high-quality learning opportunities for adults.

Closing date: 5th October 2007

the awards, now in their third year, have been given a major boost through a generous donation of euro 20,000 in research grants by the EBS Building Society. This presents a fantastic opportunity to evaluate and examine some of the fantastic work that is going on around the country.

The aim of the new research focused awards is to identify and support further study into innovative and high quality learning opportunities for adults. The funding will be granted to those involved in the provision of adult literacy education, and will be used to help develop new methods and to share good practice among literacy providers in Ireland.

All those involved in adult basic education are invited to submit nominations that focus on original and effective tuition programmers, and that would benefit from further research and development. A short list of five nominees will be announced in November.

Each nominee will be awarded e2,000 to carry out research on the project that they submit. Following further evaluation of these research project one overall winner will then be announced in January 2008 and will receive a grant for e10,000 to develop and publish their research. Nominations are welcome from all those involved in adult basic education, who work to develop competence in adult skills, such as literacy, numeracy, ICT and communications.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for ACE Award nominations which:

• Focus on existing, innovative projects or practice
• Will facilitate research/evaluation work as a result of the grants.

Possible projects could include:

• Innovative tuition methods
• Literacy integration with other areas:
  - Health literacy
  - Family literacy
  - Financial literacy
  - Sport and
• Projects targeted at specific groups
• Student development work
• Use of the Quality Framework or Mapping the Learning Journey
• Collaboration with partners
• Awareness raising activity
• Fun activities that have played a part in literacy tuition

..... This list is not exhaustive!

For more information on the ACE Awards, please log on to www.nala.ie/awards or contact Emma Ramsey by email at eramsey@nala.ie tel (01) 809 9180

National Adult Literacy Agency
76 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1

3. Events and Initiatives

Festival of World Cultures 2007, Dun laoghaire, 24 - 26 August 2007

Now in its 7th year the Festival, a Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council event, carves a special groove on the global world music circuit and is Ireland's foremost intercultural event.

With more than 150 events in 40 venues and featuring artists from 80 countries the Festival entertains audiences in excess of 200,000 with its diverse and expanding programme of music, circus, theatre, dance, club nights, markets, exhibitions, workshops and activities for children.

This year's 72-hour global feast also includes a global village fair, an international food market, once-in-a-lifetime workshops, free outdoor music concerts and family events and a host of late-night parties. The Festival is a unique chance to travel the globe without leaving the shores of Dun Laoghaire.

Full programme now online at www.festivalofworldcultures.com

For more information contact Daniela Crawley
Marketing & Press, Festival of World Cultures
D ún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council,
Marine Road, D ún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

T: + 353 1 204 7271 / E: fwcpress@dlrcoco.ie

Common Ground: Working Together in a Developing World

Following its successful launch last year, Common Ground will hold its second exhibition workshop and public lecture series on 17, 18 and 19 October 2007 (afternoon only on 17th and morning only on 19th), in the Silver Springs Conference Centre, Silver Springs Hotel, Tivoli, Cork.

Common Ground aims to bring together a wide variety of organisations to provide a strong stimulus to members of the public, the youth sector and second-level school-goers to engage with global issues.

The NGO sector, missionary organisations of the various churches, youth organisations, third-level institutions offering courses in Development Studies, as well as community-based organisations, will be represented. The event will also afford an opportunity for dialogue and networking between these organisations.

Organising Committee
Coordinator: Dáithí O'Haodha, Self Help Development International;
PRO: Jeremy Meehan, Bóthar;
Event Manager: Sinéad Harrington, Hope Foundation;
Liaison Officers: Fr Thomás Walsh, SMA; Tom Crowley and Nóra Hennessy, UCC; Martha Sawyer and June Barry, Ógra Chorca í; Gertrude Cotter, Nasc.

Further information: Jeremy Meehan, Director of Education, Bóthar,
T: 021 4878693, E: jmeehan@indigo.ie.
Common Ground is hosted by Bóthar.

Migrants Forum – 2^nd September

The MRCI Migrants Forum provides an opportunity for migrant workers to receive and share information, form a collective analysis of their experiences, and take action on issues affecting their lives. The Forum is held approximately every 6 weeks. There is usually an information and discussion session on different topics followed by refreshments and an opportunity for migrant workers to meet and chat. Please check www.mrci.ie over the coming weeks for more details, or contact helen@mrci.ie if you would like to be contacted regarding future Forums.

The next Migrants Forum will be held on Sunday 2^nd September, from 2.30-4.30pm in the Teacher's Club in Dublin city centre. The topic for this forum has yet to be announced

SARI Culture Club

Following on from the first SARI Culture Club Night in the Cobblestone Bar, Smithfield Square, Dublin 7, which featured performers from many different countries and cultures we are delighted to announce the second of these gigs on Saturday the 25th august in the same venue with artist from Italy, France and Ireland. Doors open 8.30pm and admission is €10 in aid of SARI.

For further details, contact Roli Lowry 0857247788 or Rolilowry@hotmail.com

Rights and Righteousness: Religious Pluralism and Human

This two-day conference, jointly sponsored by the Irish School of Ecumenics (ISE) and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), aims to stimulate productive and new discussions about the relationship between faith and rights.

The conference will be held in Belfast, 1-2 November 2007

The conference will be of interest to educators, clergy, academics, students and human rights practitioners. Questions which we hope to explore at the conference will include:

• Are rights everywhere and everywhere the same?
• What role do cultural and religious traditions have in the articulation of rights?
• Are human rights necessarily secular as some advocates would argue?
• Or perhaps, as others argue, is a religious commitment necessary to believe that human beings have an inherent dignity that should be respected?
• By what means should we hope to achieve consensus when we differ?
• Can we agree on practical outcomes even if we don't share an underlying philosophical basis?

For details, contact Louise Furber, NIHRC;
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9024 3987,
Textphone: +44 (0) 28 9024 9066,
Email: rebecca.dudley@nihrc.org
or visit either: www.tcd.ie/ise/news/events.php#rights or www.nihrc.org

INCORE's Diversity in Action: Race and Media

Diversity in Action is organising a major Diversity Conference in partnership with NCCRI (National Consultative Committee for Racism and Interculturalism) on Wednesday 3rd October. The conference will take place in Derry/Londonderry - (venue to be confirmed) from 0945 - 1500. The theme of the conference is all about the freedom of the media and reporting of minority ethnic communities. The conference includes:

• Speakers: Mike Jempson, MediaWise Trust, a representative from the Press Council for Ireland and media representatives.
• Keynote address on freedom of the media
• Opportunity for participants to pose questions to guest speakers
• Opportunity to take part in round-table discussion to identify recommendations and actions

A programme/agenda for the event will be available shortly. To register your place contact Janet Farren on 028 71 37 5575 or email je.farren@ulster.ac.uk

FEE: Attendance is free

www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/policy/dia/index2.html

Let's Celebrate: Communities in Fingal

'Celebrate: Communities in Fingal' is an exciting two-day family event that will highlight the intercultural richness of Dublin 15. Hosted by the ERF, Meitheal Project, 'Celebrate' promises a cavalcade of music, film and dance with a central theme of 'Identity and belonging'. The event is made possible with the support of Fingal County Council's Community Development Section.

Beginning on 19^th October at 8 p.m., at Fingal County Offices on Grove Road in Blanchardstown, there will be an evening of music, story and style. During the evening, the catwalk will be used to model clothing worn for celebrations from around the world, this to the musical accompaniment of Irish and international tunes.

On Saturday 20^th October, families can enjoy a free family programme in the grounds of the Verona Sports Club where state of the art marquees will host a myriad of fun activities, from face painting to drumming workshops. There will be lots of food stalls to tickle the delicate taste buds of the most discerning food enthusiasts. And throughout the event the emphasis will be firmly placed on having a good time, while learning more about Irish culture and the cultures of our neighbours in Dublin 15 and beyond.

Schools are encouraged to participate prior to the event by recognising and celebrating the linguistic and cultural diversity of this part of Dublin. Students from primary and post primary schools will be supported in the writing of children's Identity Books. These multilingual books will be developed in children's home languages (including for example, Russian, Polish, Romanian, French and a myriad of other languages) but will also be supported by text in English and Gaeilge.

The aim is to create innovative school based resources that recognise the wealth of cultural and linguistic heritage within this unique area of Dublin. The Fingal County Library in Blanchardstown is supporting the Identity Books Project as part of CELEBRATE. The library will provide workshops for teachers to facilitate the creative process.

If you would like to find out more about CELEBRATE please long on to the Blanchardstown Area Partnership's website at www.bap.ie or contact Oluromade Olusa at (01) 820 9550.

Youth Holocaust Awareness-raising Initiative

With the aim of sensitising younger generations to the ongoing significance of the Holocaust, FRA organised two video conferences together with Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority in Israel. Pupils from Vienna were linked directly with Alfred Gl ück, an 86 year old Holocaust eye-witness. Gl ück's vivid testimony, coupled with the educational materials provided by Yad Vashem, offered the students a greater understanding of the realities and lessons of the Holocaust. As part of FRA's wider efforts to raise awareness about fundamental rights, the Agency plans to expand on this pilot initiative by holding further such video conferences. More information is available through media@fra.europa.eu

The Future of Social Housing in EU: Welfare Transformation and Demographic Change in Europe: Challenges for the Social Housing Sector

This is the second of a series of three colloquia which stretches over an initial three-year period (2006-2008). The core aim of the series is to bring academics and practitioners together to reflect on the key challenges for social housing provision in Europe over the coming years. After the success of the first colloquium (whose proceedings have just been published and can be obtained by emailing observatory@cecodhas.orgThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ), this second colloquium will look at the current confluence of processes of welfare transformation and demographic change and reflect on the role of housing provision in coping with changing demands in a context of decreasing role of the state, changing family patterns and failing markets. Keynote speakers include Prof. Peter Malpass (University of the West of England, Bristol), Dr. Sasha Tsenkova (University of Calgary) and Prof. Jes ús Leal (Universidad Complutense de Madrid). Social housing practitioners will discuss the academic presentations and an open debate with the public will follow.

For further detailed information and registration go to: www.cecodhas.org/content/view/49/74/

Irish Travellers and the 'Troubles'

The Building Ethnic Peace Team at Donegal Travellers Project is launching an important and exciting research project aimed at recording the impact of 'the troubles' on Irish Travellers. This is an action research project identifying the impact of the conflict on Travellers in Ireland generally and in the border counties specifically.

It aims to promote the social inclusion of Travellers as one of the outcomes of the wider Irish peace and reconciliation process following from the Good Friday Agreement. It will document Traveller's experience of the conflict and raise awareness of its impact on the Traveller community.

If you are a Traveller who has been affected by the conflict - or if you know of any Travellers who have been affected by the conflict – please get in touch.

This research represents a unique opportunity for the Traveller voice on the conflict to be heard.

You can contact the Building Ethnic Peace team at Donegal Travellers Project:

Building Ethnic Peace
Donegal Travellers Project
Mountain Top
Letterkenny Co, Donegal
Tel: 074 91 29281

Or contact the project researcher Robbie McVeigh directly on robbiemcveigh@hotmail.com

OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting

This annual meeting organised by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will take place in Warsaw from 24 September to 5 October 2007. For two weeks, OSCE delegations, intergovernmental agencies, and NGOs will come together to discuss the implementation of OSCE commitments on the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy. In addition, the Human Dimension Implementation meeting shall feature three one-day discussions of specially selected topics: gender aspects of security; Roma and Sinti - participation in political life; combating intolerance and discrimination and promoting mutual respect and understanding - implementation of commitments. For further information go to: www.osce.org/conferences/hdim_2007.html

Latin American Spanish & Portuguess Classes at LASC

Spanish classes (Winter term) from 24th September to 3rd December
(Mondays, 6.00-7.30 pm)

Portuguese classes (Winter term) from 27th September to 29th November
(Thursdays, 6.00-7.30 pm.)

Beginners Level
Location: LASC, 5 Merrion Row, Dublin 2

The Classes:
Each class has a maximum of 12 students. The classes are taught in a lively and participative style. The 8- session course focuses on basic survival Latin American Spanish for beginners. All of the classes are geared at beginners, but the speed of progress in each group and the amount of Spanish used in the lessons will be determined by the level you are placed in. In all of the levels students will learn to manage simple tasks such as introductions, shopping and getting around and will learn to use the present tense.

Enrolment & Prices:
LASC is now taking bookings for all terms!
Please enrol ASAP as courses fill up very quickly. Enrolment has to be done at LASC office.

To guarantee a place on the course, please fill in the booking form available at www.lasc.ie and come to LASC office for registrating.

All beginners summer courses (8 x 2hrs) cost euro 100.

For more information call 01 - 676 04 35
website: www.lasc.ie

Courses in Equality Studies at UCD

Applications are invited for the MSc in Equality Studies and the Graduate Diploma in Equality Studies at the School of Social Justice in UCD.

The Master of Science, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate in Equality Studies are interdisciplinary postgraduate programmes taught by staff of the Equality Studies Centre and other academic units in UCD.

They are designed to cultivate an appreciation of equality issues of both national and international significance and to explore their interrelationship.

The MSc and Graduade Diploma can be taken on a one-year full-time or two-year part-time basis.

All students are required to take a range of core modules. Grad Cert, Grad Dip and Mode A MSc students take one or three optional modules for credit while Mode B MSc students submit a minor thesis. There is provision for progressing from the Graduate Diploma to the Masters programme.

Further information is available at
www.ucd.ie/esc/html/postgrad.html#phd

Application forms are
available at www.ucd.ie/esc/html/appl07form.doc
or by phoning 01 716 7104.

Celebrating the 60^th Anniversary of Indian Independence

For the first time all Indian Clubs and Associations in Ireland are coming together to celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of Indian Independence.

Date: Saturday, 15^th September 2007

Venue: Taney Hall, Taney Road, Dundrum, Co Dublin

Time: 7:00pm -doors open

Price: 10 Euros

Children below 6 free

6 -12 years: 5 Euros

Senior Citizens above 65 free

The programme starts at 7.30 pm

Fashion show of Sarees from different regions of India and Classical dance

• Wine will be available for sale.
• Soft drinks and water free
• Indian Vegetarian food will be served.
• Music & dancing

Tickets are available on Tuesday, 22/08/07. Please note very limited tickets for this event. Please buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Email: indiaclubirelandd@eircom.net www.indiaclubireland.org

Conference on Integration and Embracing Diversity

Organised by AkiDwA on 14th and 15th September 2007at the Royal Dublin Hotel

Established in 200, AkiDwA is a national network for African women living in Ireland. Its mission is to promote equality for migrant women living in Ireland in order to ensure positive change and social justice.

The organisation provides support, a platform for and advocacy on behalf of migrant women. Initially created as an African women's network, the organisation has grown from its modest beginnings and established itself as a strong voice in advocating for women of all minority ethnic backgrounds and in providing necessary services and supports to women in need.

Conference Background information
In 2003 AkiDwA developed a new initiative which collaborates with groups that work with those who are marginalised and social exclusion. This initiative target Irish and immigrants with intentions to encourage positive integration through consciousness and awareness rising.

The first event was in a form of a one day conference, which theme was 'Black and Ethnic Minority Women Organizing Together' and was held in November 2004 at Clonskeagh Mosque in Dublin 14. Fifty four people attended and this event was funded by Amnesty International Ireland.

The second event was also in a form of a conference which theme was 'Challenging the Invisibility of Black and Ethnic Minority Women', it was held in January 2005 at the Royal Dublin Hotel. 120 men and women from different backgrounds, including Irish Travellers, Irish settled, African, Eastern European and Chinese. The Dublin City Council and Dublin Inner City Partnership sponsored this event.

AkiDwA's' third annual conference is to strongly advocate for integration, raise awareness and embrace diversity. It will be a two days event. An exhibition displaying products from Ireland and around the world which will include Hand made crafts, agricultural products and income generating products.

A conference on 'Integration and Embracing Diversity' will be held on the second day. This event will reflect on diversity in Ireland to date and encourage people to integrate as they respect and value people from different countries and cultures.

Objectives:
The objectives of this event are threefold. This event will embrace integration and cultural diversity. It will also exhibit and promote a market for products from different parts of the world (art craft, coffee, tea, etc). The event will also raise awareness and acknowledge the contribution that all play in promoting the economy.

Expected Outcome:
People will get a greater understanding and awareness of other cultures and backgrounds. This event will reaffirm and enhance diversity in today's Ireland and it will encourage people to value, respect and engage with others from different countries. The exhibition and conference will both enhance and embrace integration and diversity.

A booking fee of euro 25 will be charged - for more information please contact
Nobuhle on 087 925 65 65 or Monica on 01 814 85 82

AkiDwA
9c Lower Abbey Street
Dublin Central Mission, Dublin 1.
www.akidwa.ie

11th Study Session for Persons Involved in Providing Legal Assistance to Roma and Travellers, Strasbourg/France

The Council of Europe and the European Roma Rights Centre are coordinating this training session for lawyers on the 4-26 September. For further information go to: www.coe.int/t/dg3/romatravellers/lawyers/default_en.asp

MPhil in Ethnic and Racial Studies

Theories of 'Race' and Ethnicity: An Introduction
This ten week evening course will introduce participants to theories of 'race' and 'ethnicity, locating 'race' within social, economic, political and ideological relations and situating 'race' and racism in relation to other divisions such as class and gender and to emerging changes in Irish society.

Issues specific to Irish society will include the position of the Traveller community, the links between racialisation and the asylum/migration processes, and between racism and anti-racism. The course is given by lecturers who contribute to the MPhil in Ethnic and Racial Studies, which has been run by the Department of Sociology since 1987. It is open to all participants, but is specifically suited to public sector and NGO employees.

Topics include:

• Exploring the conceptual confusion around 'race', ethnicity
• Identity and the politics of diversity
• Ethnicity: negotiating boundaries
• What is racism? Racialisng the 'other'
• Racism in Irish society
• The politics of multiculturalism / interculturalism / equality: state responses to racism
• Ethnicity and nationalism
• Diaspora and hybridity
• Racism and anti-racism: social movement responses to racism

Lecturers
- Dr Ronit Lentin, MPhil in Ethnic and Racial Studies, TCD
- Maja Halilovic-Pastuovic, Department of Sociology, TCD
- David Landy, Department of Sociology, TCD

Fee: euro 160 for each course must accompany enrolment.

For further details check www.ethnicracialstudies.net
contact Dr Ronit Lentin: 01 - 896 27 66 / email rlentin@tcd.ie

Communicating Across Language Barriers Courses

Cascade Training Consultancy is running a series of our highly successful
Communicating Across Language Barriers courses across the country.
These will consist of two consecutive days each in the following Cities
and Venues;

Limerick - Thursday 27 and Friday 28 of September 2007 (10am - 4pm)
Venue; Limerick Youth Service, Lower Glentworth Street, Limerick

Galway - Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd of October 2007 (10am - 4pm)
Venue; Ardilaun House Hotel, Taylor's Hill, Galway

Dublin - Tues 20 and Weds 21 of November 2007 (10am - 4pm)
Venue; Comfort Inn,Great Denmark Street (Off Parnell Square), Dublin 1.

These courses will be open to any interested members of the public or Training or HR personnel from any sector, Public or Private.

If you missed us last year, here's your chance to check out our intensely experiential methods of teaching the necessary skills for effectively communicating with Non-Native Speakers of English.

In-House Courses at a location of your choice are available on demand.
More details from
Anne O'Carroll, Cascade Training Consultancy
t. 027 74203
email cascade@iol.ie

website www.cascadeconsultancy.net

One Thousand Years of Turkish Mysticism: Philosophy, Music, Poetry and Images.

A talk with music and poetry samplings with visiting musician Latif Bolat

Date & Time: Saturday 28 July, 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Venue: Chester Beatty Library

Cost: €10 to include tea & coffee

Booking: rsvp@cbl.ie

Latif Bolat is one of the most distinguished Turkish musicians living outside of Turkey. With a vast repertory that includes songs in classical, folk and Sufi mystic music styles, he accompanies his singing on the baglama (Turkish lute). Now living in the USA, he has composed soundtrack music for 'Young Indiana Jones' and PBS documentary 'Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet'.

Dealing With Common Cross-Border Queries

Organised by Citizens Information Board

DATE: Wednesday, 26th September 2007 (10.00am – 4.30pm)
VENUE: Monaghan Teachers Centre, Knockaconny, Armagh Road, Monaghan.

PRESENTERS: Gary McIntyre, Cross-Border Advice & Information Worker, Borderwise Project.
LIMITED TO 20 participants

AIM: To enable information providers deal with common queries from cross border workers in the areas of employment, social security, health and taxation.

At the end of the course participants should be able to

• provide advice in relation to the most common employment rights enquiries in Northern Ireland
• explain the family benefit, unemployment and sickness entitlements of cross-border workers
• outline the operation of income tax in Northern Ireland and of cross-border taxation
• explain the public healthcare implications of working on a cross-border basis.

CLOSING DATE: Wednesday, 12th September 2007

For booking enquiries please contact:
Anne Flynn, Regional Training Administrator
Citizens Information Board,
4 Adelphi Court, Long Walk, Dundalk, Co. Louth
T: 042 933 2913, F: 042 9337081
E: anne.flynn@ciboard.ie
Citizens Information Board Training Services
www.citizensinformationboard.ie/providers/providers_training.html

Women's Participation in the Peace III Programme

A Cross Border Information Seminar organised by Derry Women's Centre & Letterkenny Women's Centre on Wednesday 29th August 2007 @ 9.30 a.m.
Venue: An Grianan Hotel, Burt, Co. Donegal.

At this seminar you will be given an overview of the Peace III programme, the proposed delivery mechanisms and project assessment criteria.

The seminar will be followed by a workshop in Letterkenny on the 5th September and in Derry on the 6th September to explore how women can participate collectively, strategically and on a cross border basis in the development of area based peace action plans.
To reserve your place or for further information, please contact:
Letterkenny Women's Centre - 074 91 24985 / email wcnvs@eircom.net
Derry Women's Centre - 028 71 267672 / email margaretlogue@womencentre.co.uk

This project is part-financed by the European Union's Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and the Irish Government under the National Development Plan, and managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by Border Action

First Training Network for Ethnic Entrepreneurs and Employees

The enterprise development organisation, Partas which is based in the Bolbrook Enterprise Cente in Tallaght, in conjunction with a group of ethnic entrepreneurs, have received development grant funding from Skillnets to develop a training network for ethnic businesses and employees. The new training network – to be called the Emerge Skillnet - will be the first of its kind in Ireland and they are calling on all interested ethnic businesses in the country to contact them and join the network.

A Skillnet Training Network is a group of businesses working together to provide training and networking for their members. Being part of a Skillnets Network Training Programme offers substantially subsidised training – up to 80%.

Training will take place in Dublin, Galway and Cork.

The network will even develop its own specially designed courses geared to the specific needs of its members. At the heart of these activities is the networking process. Through networking, enterprises can fast-track learning and develop competitive advantages whilst employees up-skill and gain positive person and economic benefits.

To join the Emerge Skillnet, please contact:

Noreen Keegan Kavanagh, Partas, Avonmore Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Tel: 01 4145700
Fax: 01 4145799
Mob: 087 2858375
e-mail: noreen@equalemerge.ie

Facilitating Equality - Reflection, Analysis and Practice

This 3 day course organised by Meitheal, aims to develop facilitation practice that is informed by an understanding of the principles of equality.

Location: Meitheal, 35 Exchequer St. Dublin 2.
Date: November 6th, 13th, 27th (10.00am - 4.30pm)

Cost:
€198 - Community / Voluntary;
€297 - FAS Project Participants & Statutory Sector.

Learning Outcomes
Participants will:

• deepen their understanding of the different contexts of equality – social, political, cultural, economic and affective
• understand the links between poverty, diversity and inequality
• develop practice informed by this analysis.

Target Group
The course is intended for those who have some previous experience in facilitating and working in community based or anti-poverty contexts.

There are 12 places on each course and applications received go through to a selection process.

Complete the Meitheal application form available at www.meitheal.ie and return with full fee, to Meitheal, 35 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2.
Fax: (01) 6719573

Deadline: 31st August 2007.

Meitheal provides training to the community and voluntary sector, and other organisations working to create social change. Meitheal also delivers this training to groups and organisations in their own communities, or centres.
For more information contact us
Email: info@meitheal.ie
Tel: (01) 6719803

The Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders

The fourth Front Line Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders is presently scheduled to take place in Dublin Castle, Dublin, Ireland on November 22-24, 2007.

The aims of the 4th Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders are to:

• Analyse and expose the reality of the repression of human rights defenders and promote their work internationally.
• Prioritise the sharing of experience so that human rights defenders can learn from each other and discuss what strategic lessons can be drawn for the prevention and minimisation of risk.
• Provide an opportunity for participants to relate experiences and make practical recommendations in specific areas and influence thinking at the international level.

Contact Front Line for More Information: Orla Lehane - Conference Organiser,
Phone: +353 1 210 0472
Fax: +353 1 212 1001
E-mail: orlalehane@frontlinedefenders.org

The Future of Civil Society in the UK and Ireland: a Public Inquiry

The Carnegie UK Trust has launched an Inquiry to explore possible future threats to and opportunities for the development of a healthy civil society in the UK and Ireland.

The Inquiry will last 18 months starting in November 2006.

This ambitious initiative is designed to identify ways in which policy and practice can be enhanced so that civil society associations are better prepared for what the future might hold and so civil society is strengthened.

The new Inquiry will explore the future of civil society in the following three dimensions: 1) civil society as associational life (i.e. the future of civil society associations such as voluntary and community organisations, trade unions, faith-based organisations, philanthropic organisations etc.); 2) civil society as the 'good' society and the contribution made by civil society associations in shaping this; and 3) civil society as the arena for public deliberation.

Issues that the Inquiry will likely address include: the impact of advances in communication technologies on associational life, implications of the changing relationship between civil society associations and the state, and the impact of the media in shaping the nature of public deliberation.

The Inquiry Commission is keen to hear your views about the Future of Civil Society in the UK and Ireland. We also welcome contributions that reflect on the European and global dimensions of civil society, especially in so far as they relate to the UK and Ireland.

democracy.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/civil_society/get_involved
For more information about the Inquiry and to find out how you and your organisation can contribute please visit democracy.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/civil_society

Preventing Ill-Treatment – Ireland and the OPCAT

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) invites you to attend an international seminar on the implications for Ireland of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention Against Torture (OPCAT).

Date: 7 September 2007

Time: 9.30 am – 12.30pm (followed by lunch)

Venue: The President's Hall, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7

RSVP: Joanne Garvey, ICCL Administrator, by 3 September 2007

Tel: 01-799 4504 or E-mail: joanne.garvey@iccl.ie

Please indicate if you will be staying for lunch and any special requirements (wheelchair access, dietary requirements etc.)

Speakers include:

Dr Silvia Casale, Chair of the United Nations Sub-Committee on the Prevention of Torture (UN-SPT)

Matthew Parris, Association for the Prevention of Torture, Geneva

Mark Kelly, Director of the ICCL, and member of the Roster of Experts to the UN-SPT.

Who should attend?

The Seminar will be of special interest to senior officials responsible for places of detention (including within An Garda S íoch ána, the Irish Prison Service and Health Service Executive); representatives of bodies that may be designated as "National Preventive Mechanisms" (such as the Irish Human Rights Commission, the Inspectorate of Prisons and Places of Detention, the Garda Ombudsman Commission and the Inspectorate of Mental Hospitals); senior officials in operational ministries (including the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform) and legal practitioners who frequently represent people deprived of their liberty.

All Ireland Programme for Immigrant Parents Consultation

On behalf of the multi-agency Project Management Committee, as part of a cross border initiative, the ISPCC (which is carrying out the tender) is inviting Parents, Children and Professionals to take part in focus groups being held nationwide as part of the All Ireland Programme for Immigrant Parents.

The island of Ireland has experienced considerable change in its population profile over the last decade. Migrants have become an increasingly visible group with particular needs requiring tailored responses.

For this reason, the interagency cross-border Project Management Committee is undertaking a project aimed at the full spectrum of immigrant parents: asylum seekers; refugees; migrant workers; undocumented migrants and overseas students.

The Committee consists of The Health Service Executive (HSE); The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; The Department of Education; The Parenting Skills Unit (HSE Dublin North East Psychology Department); Barnardo's N.I. and Surestart N.I.

The All Ireland Programme for Immigrant Parents (All-PIP) is a 24 month project to develop and disseminate a range of parenting information, training and resources for immigrant families. The project is being developed on an all-Ireland basis with some of the resources having two versions, one for each jurisdiction.

The aim of the consultation phase is to use existing knowledge and skills to highlight key issues and needs arising in the area of immigrant parenting.

This phase consists of focus groups being held around the country, split into different geographical areas. The ISPCC proposes to hold public focus groups comprising 8-10 individuals in different regions.

There are three different types of focus groups taking place:
- 10 Parent groups
- 8 Professional groups
- 6 Young people groups

The focus groups will be held between the 20th of August and the 5th of October 2007 and the ISPCC will cover all local transport and childcare costs arising from attending the focus groups. We will also provide refreshments and interpreters if necessary.

If you would like to take part in the focus groups or would like more information about the project, please contact Fiona Dwyer
Tel: 353 1 6447712
Email: FDwyer@ispcc.ie

---

4. Job Vacancies/Calls for Tender

Open Call for Tender: Discrimination and Victimisation in EU Member States: Experiences and Attitudes of Immigrants and Other Minorities

Deadline:10/09/2007
fra.europa.eu/fra/index.php...LongLink...;

Front Line: Conference Assistant with Languages

Front Line is looking for a Conference Assistant to help with the organization of our international conference.

The 4th Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders will be held in Dublin Castle, November 22-24th. This short-term post is for 8 weeks from Monday 1st October 2007 in our office in Blackrock.

The successful candidate will be interested in human rights and have an understanding of international issues. He/she will have excellent communication skills and ability to work with a variety of people. He/she will learn quickly, be able to juggle many things at once, be good at prioritising and working to a deadline. He/she will be flexible and co-operative. Previous work experience in event management or travel industry would be desirable.

Ability to work in a second language (French, Spanish, Arabic or Russian) is an advantage.

Basic Terms of reference:
- work with the Conference Coordinator and on own initiative;
- follow-up on visas, flights and accommodation for participants;
- liaise with human rights defenders around the world by phone and email;
- organize volunteers working on the conference;
- keep accurate records of all communication;
- undertake other tasks as delegated by the Conference Coordinator.

The Salary will be Euro 475 per week for eight weeks.

Applications comprising a cover letter and a CV should be sent to Orla Lehane, Conference Coordinator, by email to recruit@frontlinedefenders.org
or by post to Front Line, 81 Main Street, Blackrock, Dublin.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 12th September 2007.
website: www.frontlinedefenders.org

Ballyfermot Travellers Action Project: Tutors / Facilitators

Ballyfermot Travellers Action Project (BTAP) are looking for tutors /facilitators for a range of classes including yoga/relaxation, dance, aerobics/keepfit, health & beauty, First Aid and health & safety.

BTAP plan to run these classes in blocks of 8-10 weeks on Friday mornings starting Sept 21st 2007-June 2008 with a group of 25/30 Traveller women.

If you are available to run any of these classess on a Friday morning (starting Sept 21st through the academic year) & willing to register with & work for VEC rates aprox 42per hour

please contact Paula or Jackie at Ballyfermot Travellers Action Project
tel 01 - 626 41 66 or 087- 641 25 57 email paulabtap@eircom.net

SPIRASI: Administrative Assistant to the Volunteer Coordinator

SPIRASI - SPIRITAN ASYLUM SERVICES INITIATIVE - is currently recruiting for an

Administrative Assistant to the Volunteer Coordinator

To provide secretarial and administrative support to the SPIRASI Volunteer Coordinator, in a manner consistent with the mission statement, ethos, objectives, policies and procedures of SPIRASI.

Report: Report to the Volunteer Coordinator
Employee status: FAS trainee

Duties and responsibilities:

• Take the minutes of the Volunteer Committee and Central Services meetings
• Assist the Volunteer Coordinator in the planning and improvement of the section
• Develop and input information into the volunteers database
• Regular filing of information
• Help in the design of leaflets, brochures, covers and worksheets
• Put together an accurate contact list of recruitment target areas
• Assist in the recruitment of volunteers by distributing leaflets, getting in touch with parishes, libraries, community centres etc.
• Assist in the organisation for the induction of new volunteers
• Assist in updating documents such as Welcome Pack and Policy Document
• Collate feedback questionnaire forms
• Help prepare social events such as Client Christmas Party, Staff Christmas Party, Volunteers UN day and social get togethers
• To source information and documentation as required.

Quality Assurance and Evaluation:

• To facilitate any secretarial and administrative service evaluation or monitoring system
• To work towards agreed quality standards
• To participate in, as required, in the constant review and evaluation of SPIRASI and its services, changing and updating existing work practices as necessary, in line with SPIRASI's objectives.

General:
- To attend staff meetings and other meetings as required
- To provide reception cover occasionally
- To abide by the terms and conditions of the employment contract between the post holder and SPIRASI

Salary and Grade: FAS trainee. FAS trainees are entitled to an allowance of euro 200 per week, a medical card, rent allowance and child care if eligible.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5 pm. / 40 hours per week

Closing date for applications: 31st August 2007

Applications to: Tom Hogan, Assistant Director,
SPIRASI, 213 North Circular Road, Phibsborough, Dublin 7.

E Mail address: assistdirector@spirasi.ie
Telephone: 01 - 882 35 25

Nasc: Project Officer

Nasc - the Irish Immigrant Support Centre - wishes to recruit for the following vacancy: Project Officer for our new Education, Employment and Enterprise Project.
(Full-Time) Six Month Project.

Applicants should have at least 2 years experience in similar position and ability to work in dynamic multicultural centre. Positions on one year contract basis.

Closing Date for applications: 31st August 2007
Applications by CV and Cover Letter to
Gertrude Cotter, Director, Nasc, 35 Mary St, Cork

Full job description on www.nascireland.org
Or telephone 021 4317411 for further information.

Vincentian Refugee Centre: Clerical Officer

The Vincentian Refugee Centre provides a place of welcome, support and friendship to asylum seekers, refugees and people with permission to reside in the State.

We are currently recruiting the following part-time position (20 hours per week)
A Completed applications in the form of CV and cover letter to:
The Manager,
Vincentian Refugee Centre,
St. Peter's Church,
Phibsborough, Dublin 7.

Telephone: 01-8102580
Fax: 01-8389950
Email: admin@vrc.ie
Web: www.vincentians.ie

Closing date for this position is 29th August 2007.

The Vincentian Refugee Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
This position is funded by the Homeless Agency. The Vincentian Refugee Centre provides a place of welcome, support and friendship to asylum seekers, refugees and people with permission to reside in the State in an informal setting and in doing so facilitate their integration in Ireland.

The job description is available by request.

EU Call for Tender for the Provision of Reports and Studies on Legal issues Concerning the Promotion and Protection of Fundamental Rights in the European Union.

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights published a new open call for tender for the provision of reports and studies on legal issues concerning the promotion and protection of fundamental rights in the European Union.

Closing date for the call is the 10th September 2007.

For further information and the documents related to this call please consult fra.europa.eu or the Official Journal S 144/2007 available at ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:178109-2007:TEXT:EN:HTML

Title: AT-Vienna: provision of reports and studies on legal issues concerning the promotion and protection of fundamental rights in the European Union

Document reference: 178109-2007

URL : ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:178109-2007:TEXT:EN:HTML

TED is the public procurement database of the European Union.

You can access the database on ted.europa.eu

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights Unit Research and Data Collection Rahlgasse 3 Vienna 1060 Austria

Internet: fra.europa.eu

SPIRASI's Centre for Education and Integration of Migrants (CEIM): invitation to tender for 'art and integration' project evaluation

SPIRASI's Centre for Education and Integration for Migrants (CEIM) wishes to recruit an experienced evaluator to conduct an evaluation of its ongoing Art and Integration Project funded under a pilot scheme and administered by POBAL. This evaluation is expected to result in a report that will inform both POBAL and CEIM of the merits, advantages, and learning outcomes of this pilot project based on best practice within the field.

CEIM, the SPIRASI Centre for Education and Integration promotes the practical integration of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees through education and training using a needs based, client centred approach. It provides a programme that integrates ESOL learning with modules on lifeskills and art together with a varied social programme. CEIM also runs a separate dedicated art programme that offers stand alone art projects in various media to its wide client base.

In April 2007 CEIM received funding from POBAL to run a pilot integration project for one year with legally resident immigrants (Asylum seekers are not included under the terms of reference of the funding guidelines). The methodological approach we have taken is the use of art as a tool towards meaningful integration. Four projects will be run as part of the project
1) storytelling
2) drama
3) an art and dialogue residential programme and
4) a public awareness programme.

Any queries in relation to this tender should be addressed electronically to
Anne Walsh: artproject@spirasi.ie tel 01 882 35 17

Completed tenders should be submitted either in a post in a sealed envelope and addressed to:
Anne Walsh
Art Project Co-ordinator
SPIRASI
213 North Circular Road, Phibsboro, Dublin 7.

Or send electronically to: artproject@spirasi.ie and c.c. to godonnell@spirasi.ie
Closing date for receipt of tenders: 28 August 2007, 16.00 p.m.

Ballyhoura Development: Part-Time Development Officer - Integration Project

Ballyhoura Development Ltd. is a community based local development organisation. The company covers the area of North East Cork and East Limerick. Ballyhoura Development Ltd. aims to diversify the economic base of the locality and to assist people living in the area to improve the quality of their lives through Community Development, Economic Development, Research and Education and Training.

In early 2007, Ballyhoura Development received funding by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform through their 'Funds for the Integration of Legally Resident Immigrants'. The project involves facilitating the process of integration as well as working to welcome people living and working across the area of Ballyhoura Development who come from other parts of the world. The project has a number of different aspects including information provision, community development work and an employment equality dimension.

We are now looking to recruit a Part-Time Development Officer to assist in carrying out the work of the project.

Ideally the candidate will have

• At least two years practical experience (voluntary experience will be considered) in the area of social inclusion/community development.
• Cultural competence i.e. an ability to understand the needs of diverse communities and an insight into cultural appropriate ways of working.
• Group facilitation experience.
• An insight into local government services and community structures would be beneficial.

A second language would be an advantage particularly a Central or Eastern European language, Portuguese (Brazilian) or Russian. A full clean driving license will be essential due to the dispersed nature of the project.

Fixed-term contract of 6 months.

Submit a detailed letter of application, and a copy of your CV, by 30th August 2007 to Maura Flynn, Ballyhoura Development Ltd, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick. Tel: 063-91749; m.flynn@ballyhoura.org.

Queries on the position may be sent to Kate O'Sullivan: k.osullivan@ballyhoura.org or at 025 85213

Ballyhoura Development is committed to a Policy of Equal Opportunity. Funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2000 – 2006.

ENAR- Policy Officer

ENAR, the European Network against Racism with its Secretariat based in Brussels, represents 600 non-governmental organisations active in the fight against racism in the European Union.

ENAR is currently recruiting a Policy Officer

Tasks:

1. Monitoring policy developments within the European institutions and identifying issues of concern for ENAR and its participating organisations
2. Researching for policy material and information concerning relevant topics at EU and national levels
3. Liaising with EU institutions and other policy makers with the view to influence the antiracist agenda
4. Carrying out lobbying and advocacy work towards EU institutions
5. Drafting policy statements and policy position papers
6. Proposing appropriate policy topics for ENAR
7. Supporting the EP 'Intergroup on Anti racism and diversity' with policy input and logistics
8. Maintain the archive of publications and other material of the office
9. Designing training seminars, conferences and publications related to policy as appropriate.

Requirements:

1. An academic degree is essential (political science, law or EU studies) and experience in this field is required
2. Considerable experience in policy development of an NGO and conducting advocacy and lobbying activities towards EU institutions
3. Experience with monitoring policy-making processes at the European level
4. Extensive experience in researching for policy information
5. Strong ability to analyse policy documents of EU institutions
6. Experience in formulating policy standpoints of an NGO
7. Ability to work with governmental institutions
8. Communicate in an articulated manner to a wide range of audiences both written and orally
9. Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
10. Ability to work in an international context and as a part of a team
11. Commitment to the struggle against racism and the promotion of equal rights
12. Ability to speak and write fluently in English and good knowledge of French. Additional EU languages are an asset

Application:

You are requested to consult documents listed on our website before completing your application. Your application should be written in English and e-mailed to info@enar-eu.org before 7 September 2007 (24.00). Interviews are provisionally scheduled for the first week of October 2007. Only candidates who are short-listed for an interview will be contacted. Only fully qualified candidates need apply.

ECRE – Legal Internship

The European Council on Refugees & Exiles (ECRE) invites applications for a legal internship at its London office, starting October 2007. The intern's work will include legal projects and research activities to support advocacy on specific issues relating to refugee protection in Europe. The post is offered for a period of 5-6 months, preferably full-time, and is unpaid (a small compensation to cover daily travel expenses and lunch is offered). For details on how to apply see the information pack on www.ecre.org/get_involved/internships_volunteers. Closing date for applications: September 10 2007.

---

5. Recent Publications and Resources

Conference on European Coalition of Cities Against Racism- Speeches and Results Available Online

The general conference of the "European Coalition of Cities Against Racism" was held in Nuremberg on 10 - 12 May, 2007, under the title "Sharing Competence and Empowering Communities: The Role of Cities in Challenging Racism and Discrimination". Please go to:

www.humanrights.nuremberg.de/...LongLink...

Globalisation and Quality of Life

Carmen Kuhling and Kieran Keohane
Published by Pluto Press, July 2007
ISBN: 9780745326498
Pb / Euro 24.99
Order online: www.plutobooks.com

MRCI Annual Report 2006

MRCI's Annual Report for 2006 includes an analyisis of data coming from casework in the Drop In Centre. The figures reveal a number of interesting trends (see Section 3). A copy of the report can be downloaded from www.mrci.ie, and printed copies ordered from info@mrci.ie / 01 889 75 70.

Migrant Ireland – August Issue

MRCI's Newsletter Migrant Ireland is produced twice a year and is aimed at migrant workers, as well community-based organisations working directly with migrant workers. It contains information and analysis of Irish and international policy, as well as covering the activities of the Migrants Forum and MRCI's three support groups. The next edition includes an interview with Ger Deering, Director of the new National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), as well as practical advice on challenging workplace exploitation. The newsletter will be available on www.mrci.ie from mid-August in 'Publications.' Previous editions of Migrant Ireland can also be downloaded here.

PICUM and MRI Workshop on the International Human Rights Framework & Undocumented Migrants

Available at: www.picum.org/

Exchange- Information on Social Protection and Inclusion in the EU

Available at: ec.europa.eu/employment_social/...LongLink...

Resettlement by Europe. The Actual Role and Potential of European NGOs. A Report by ECRI.

Available at:www.ecre.org/files/ECRE_Resettlement%20Survey2.pdf

FRA publication: Multi-year trends on racism

FRA released a report on 'Trends and Developments on Racism and Xenophobia 1997-2005 - Combating Ethnic and Racial Discrimination and Promoting Equality in the European Union'. The publication summarises and analyses relevant data and information collected by the RAXEN network since 2000. It provides a concise overview of multi-year trends in the fight against racism inside the EU. FRA's new report is available in English (fra.europa.eu/fra/material/pub/Trends/Trends_en.pdf)).

FRA DataBase: Now including information on case law and positive initiatives

FRA has updated and restructured its DataBase, which is a freely accessible, multilingual information tool on racism, xenophobia and related intolerance. The FRA DataBase contains five different datasets:

1. FRA/EUMC publications
2. Publications - a selection of bibliographical references on publications in the field
3. Organisations - a selection of organisations combating racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia
4. Positive Initiatives - a selection of projects combating discrimination through practical action - searchable via country, area, type of initiative and target group
5. Case Law - a selection of significant national decisions/cases - searchable via country, year, ground and form of discrimination, area, topic, deciding body and legal provision.

fra.europa.eu/fra/index.php?fuseaction=content.dsp_cat_content&

OECD publication on migration management

The 'International Migration Outlook 2007', published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, explores policies to improve the management of migration flows and to channel these in response to labour market needs. It describes measures taken to facilitate the integration of those immigrants waiting to gain full citizenship. International co-operation to enhance border control and to combat irregular immigration is also analysed.
www.oecd.org/document/25/0

Observatory presents Report on Social Housing and Integration of Immigrants

The report "Social Housing and integration of immigrants in the European Union: Tools for social housing providers" is to be presented by the European Social Housing Observatory to the CECODHAS sub-group on integration of immigrants. Social housing organisations accommodate large numbers of immigrants and ethnic minority groups in most European countries. For this reason they are at the frontline in the implementation of integration policies and programmes.
Through its sub-group on integration of immigrants, CECODHAS working group on Social Policies has identified the need to understand the main problems facing tenants and social housing providers in the effort to contribute to greater integration. Within this remit, the European Social Housing Observatory is contributing to the work of this sub-group with this report. The report aims to provide the sub-group with the conceptual and methodological tools to understand the main debates and policy frameworks that determine the integration of immigrants and ethnic minorities across Europe. Ultimately, it the report proposes a set of recommendations for the sub-group to select good practices in the field.

Roma Education Fund Annual Report 2006

Now available at: groups.google.com/group/Romano_Liloro/files

OSCE/CoE Publication on National Minority Issues

A joint OSCE and Council of Europe compilation of texts aims to highlight the standards developed for the protection and advancement of national minorities and to diffuse this information to authorities, civil society, as well as the public at large.
book.coe.int/EN/ficheouvrage.php?PAGEID=36

New OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities

Former Foreign Minister of Norway, Knut Vollebaek, was appointed as OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities for a three-year term. He succeeds Rolf Ekeus of Sweden.
www.osce.org/item/25446.html

OECD Publication on Migration Management

The 'International Migration Outlook 2007', published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, explores policies to improve the management of migration flows and to channel these in response to labour market needs. It describes measures taken to facilitate the integration of those immigrants waiting to gain full citizenship. International co-operation to enhance border control and to combat irregular immigration is also analysed.
www.oecd.org/document/25/0,3343,en_2649_37415_38797017_1_1_1_37415,00.html

New Internet Resources Against Discrimination

The High Commission for Immigration and Intercultural Dialogue (ACIDI) recently inaugurated three websites. 'Entreculturas' is dedicated to intercultural education, 'Ciga-nos' addresses the Roma community in Portugal, and the third, belonging to the Commission for Equality and Against Racial Discrimination (CICDR), covers various issues related to racial discrimination. The latter includes a complaints mechanism, as well as practical information on legal and psychological support available for victims of discrimination.
www.entreculturas.pt/
www.ciga-nos.pt/
www.cicdr.pt/

United Kingdom Commission on Integration and Cohesion Publishes its Final Report

In its report 'Our Shared Future', the Commission on Integration and Cohesion (CoIC) outlines practical approaches to building communities' capacity to reduce tensions and create opportunities for more integrated and cohesive societies. It illustrates case studies of local good practice to take recommendations forward. Additionally, a summary of the key themes that emerged from the associated consultation is available to download.
www.integrationandcohesion.org.uk/Our_final_report.aspx