European Commission Press Release

26 March 2009

"Not Just Numbers": debate on asylum and immigration in the classroom

The toolkit can be downloaded from www.unhcr.ie after the launch event

Students in Irish classrooms are more international than ever. How do young people feel about their new classmates? Do they understand the reasons why they have left their home countries and come to Ireland? This morning, "Not Just Numbers", a special toolkit for teachers and students on asylum and immigration in the EU was launched at the European Commission Representation in Ireland by Minister of State for Integration, Conor Lenihan TD.

The "Not Just Numbers" toolkit is being unveiled this week across the EU. In Ireland, it will be available to schools in both English and Irish.

Speaking at the launch Minister Lenihan said, "It is crucial to remember the personal stories of the asylum seekers and migrants who arrived in Ireland. We must always remember that migrants and asylum seekers are people just like us, who have families and friends, concerns and worries, and hopes and aspirations of their own. I very much welcome the launch of the pilot phase of this important resource, which reinforces the message that human rights are for people of all colours and creeds. I am certain that the toolkit will be a valuable teaching tool, for use throughout post-primary schools."

The "Not Just Numbers" schools pack is produced jointly by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and aims to introduce debate and discussion on issues of integration to the classroom. The project was produced with support from the EU's European Refugee Fund.

The pack consists of a DVD and manual, showing individual stories of young people who have had to leave their own countries for one reason or another and make a new life in Europe. After watching an excerpt of the DVD, students from Castleknock Community College were also on hand to discuss what they thought needed to be done to promote a positive attitude towards multiculturalism in Irish society.

Manuel Jordao, Representative of the UNHCR in Ireland said, "The kit is part of an effort to raise awareness among young people across Europe that behind each anonymous statistic related to migration and asylum there is a human face, a personal story, a reason for solidarity."

Theodora Suter, Head of Mission of the IOM in Ireland explained, "This understanding can help to promote respect for diversity and encourage social cohesion. In particular, more information needs to be disseminated to young people, who are the decision makers of tomorrow, but whose opinions on migration and asylum are not always based on factual and balanced information."

At the launch, Martin Territt, Director of the European Commission Representation in Ireland commented, "The economic challenges we face today will undoubtedly put a strain on multiculturalism throughout Europe. However, through real dialogue in classrooms, young people will see how diversity can be a source of strength in society."

The toolkit and DVD can be downloaded from the UNHCR's website www.unhcr.ie. Should you wish to avail of a hard copy please contact the UNHCR in Ireland on 01-6314614.

International Organisation for Migration www.iomdublin.ie
IOM is an inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. Established in 1959, Ireland became a full member of the IOM in 2002.

IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.

UNHCR www.unhcr.ie
The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly and is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees.

UNHCR strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in times of crisis, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country.

Contact:
Nóirín Ní Earcáin noirin.ni-earcain@ext.ec.europa.eu 01- 634 1107