Press Release: Pro Bono Week Ireland highlights need for greater support for migrant children in Ireland
Last week marked Pro Bono Week Ireland, an annual initiative bringing together legal professionals to advance justice equality in Ireland. During the week a series of events to discuss unmet legal needs in Irish society took place.
A key focus of the week was discussions regarding the increased need for pro bono legal support for unaccompanied migrant children in Ireland, and the role the legal community can play to provide sustainable solutions.
A dedicated event was hosted in Dublin on Wednesday 12th June by legal firm Arthur Cox, in partnership with Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), an international nongovernment organisation devoted to protecting unaccompanied and separated children. KIND partners with the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI), the Irish Refugee Council (IRC), and the pro bono legal community to ensure sustainable solutions for unaccompanied migrant children in Ireland. Since 2019, the project has assisted 252 clients from 29 countries of origin.
Event speakers included Sara Phelan SC, Chair of the Bar Council of Ireland; Katie Mannion, Managing Solicitor of the Irish Refugee Council; Catherine Cosgrave, Managing Solicitor Immigrant Council of Ireland; Marieanne McKeown, Director of the Partnerships & Pro Bono Program, Arthur Cox, as well as beneficiaries of the project.
Commenting at the event, Brian Killoran, CEO at the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said: “Our organisation is working day-to-day with migrants and their families in Ireland and we have seen first-hand the detrimental impact a lack of support services is having on children in particular. We have long been advocating for civil legal aid for unaccompanied refugee children applying for family reunification with their parents, as these applications are central to their long-term wellbeing and integration in Ireland.
Legal assistance is essential to ensure that these children are able to deal with the complex administrative procedures and legal issues that arise. Events like today are vitally important to keep a spotlight on this important issue and foster greater connections between organisations like the ICI, IRC and KIND with the legal community in Ireland.”
In Ireland, Pro Bono Week is led by PILA (The Public Interest Law Alliance) a project of FLAC, and a committee made up of representatives from A&L Goodbody LLP, Arthur Cox LLP, DLA Piper Ireland LLP, Matheson LLP, McCann FitzGerald LLP, Mason Hayes & Curran LLP, Philip Lee LLP.
About PILA:
PILA was established in 2009 as a project of FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres), an independent human rights organisation that promotes equal access to justice for all. PILA is a public interest law network that seeks to engage the legal community and civil society in using the law to advance social change. PILA works closely with new and existing NGOs, community groups and independent law centres to identify areas of unmet legal need and collaborate with the legal profession to support the provision of pro bono legal assistance.