Report finds majority of LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers in Northern Ireland experience homophobic abuse in asylum centres

A joint report published last month by the Law Centre Northern Ireland (NI) and Rainbow Refugees NI found that the majority of LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers in Northern Ireland have experienced violence or abuse in their place of detention.

A 32-page report, ‘We are being hurt’ Safe accommodation for LGBTQIA+ people seeking refuge in Northern Irelandcan be downloaded here.

Law Centre NI and Rainbow Refugees NI surveyed 23 asylum seekers and former asylum seekers for their report. The report also draws on the Law Centre’s experience of asylum cases and interviews with a range of stakeholders.

The report states: “LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers in Northern Ireland face significant levels of intimidation, harassment, physical and sexual violence. Four in five survey respondents have experienced some form of abuse or violence from other refugees or asylum seekers. Of those who have experienced abuse, the majority (79%) experienced it in asylum accommodation.

“Respondents were asked to list the types of abuse they had experienced. Two-thirds reported homophobic insults and slurs (65%), while almost half reported more serious harassment and intimidation (45%). A quarter reported intimidation and threats (26%). A third reported physical violence (30%). A quarter reported sexual assault (26%). One survey respondent simply stated: ‘We get hurt.’”

As explained in the report, the asylum process in Northern Ireland is managed by Migrant Help, and asylum seeker accommodation is provided by Mears.

Although the report found that most victims reported homophobic abuse to the police or Mears or Migrant Help, the reporting process did not prove to be an effective remedy for most victims, with only 21% of survey respondents feeling the problem was adequately dealt with.

“The relatively weak procedures for responding to homophobic incidents are at odds with the processes in place to protect victims from incidents of racism or domestic violence that occur in asylum centres,” the report noted.

Law Centre NI and Rainbow Refugees NI further noted: “Overall, our research shows that it is rare for victims of homophobic abuse to be relocated to secure accommodation. Relocation only occurs where there are multiple incidents of homophobic abuse and/or where there is sustained lobbying from independent support organisations. The researchers noted that when faced with situations of homophobic abuse, Mears staff often attempt to mediate a solution. Whilst this is undoubtedly done in good faith, it is extremely unlikely that mediation would be appropriate given the high risk of harm (it should be noted that mediation would not be considered acceptable in domestic violence situations).”

As a result of their findings, the Law Centre NI and Rainbow Refugees NI make nine recommendations in the report, including two practical recommendations to protect LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers in Northern Ireland. Firstly, LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers can benefit from a ‘safe house’ and secondly, victims of homophobic abuse can be immediately and safely housed away from their abuser.

Liz Griffith, from the Migration Justice Project at the Law Centre NI, commented: “LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers deserve the chance to rebuild their lives and feel safe in their own homes. We are optimistic that the recommendations in this report will deliver tangible and progressive change and we look forward to working with Mears, Migrant Help and others to ensure the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers who have sought refuge in Northern Ireland.”