McGuinness launches rights and responsibilities guide in Derry to help recently-arrived Syrian refugees

Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness today addressed an information session held by Law Centre (NI) for Syrian refugee families at Holywell Trust in Derry and launched a guide on their rights and responsibilities.

Forty-seven Syrian refugees were welcomed to Derry in May, the second group to arrive under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.

Written in English and Arabic, the guide is designed to help them integrate into the community.

Mr McGuinness, Sinn Fein MLA for Foyle, said: “I am proud of the north of Ireland and the people of the North West who have risen to the humanitarian challenge and opened their arms and hearts to Syrian refugee families in their time of need.

“We trust this new start will offer hope, opportunity for all and the conditions to live with their family in peace.

"We want to play an active part in ensuring everyone feels welcome, accepted and valued. Access to information, services and knowledge of your rights are an important element of this and The Executive Office is proud to fund this useful guide.

"I commend and congratulate the Law Centre and the Human Rights Commission on the publication of this guide and for their ongoing work in supporting vulnerable refugees.”

Law Centre (NI) Director Glenn Jordan said “The Syrian families arrive in Northern Ireland from a very different society, with very different laws and systems.

“At the Law Centre, we have years of experience of working with refugees and asylum seekers. We have used our expertise to produce a guide that will help them to understand how life here works, what their rights and responsibilities are and where they can get help and advice.

“The aim is to help them make informed decisions and ease their integration in the community.”

Photo shows Martin McGuinness and Glenn Jordan with Syrian refugees Sorani Mohamed and son, Nouraedin (14 months), at today’s launch.