Report Racism

REPORT RACISM

Doras promotes reporting and recording of racist incidents by encouraging anyone affected by any form of racism or discrimination to make a formal complaint to the Gardaí. Doras can provide support and assistance with reporting incidents to the Gardaí, inlcuding accompaniment and follow-up support if requested.

Doras advocates for the strengthening of data collection systems and practices by statutory bodies, and for victim-centered responses to racism reports. Doras also promote and support iReport, an independent reporting mechanism managed by the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR).

HOW TO REPORT RACISM

People experience and witness incidents of racism every day in Ireland. Unfortunately, many of these incidents are not recorded but that doesn’t mean that racism is not a big issue in Ireland. We believe that racism in under-reported in the Midwest. If you have experienced or witnessed what you believe to be racism or discrimination, there are several reporting options:

Garda Station
Report the incident at any Garda Station. We work closely with the Gardaí to address and prevent racist incidents. In some cases, it may be possible to take legal action.
Doras
We can provide you with information about your rights and the options for formal reporting. We offer an accompaniment service for formal reporting if you wish to report to the Gardaí. Speak to us in confidence by phoning 061 310328 or by email us at info@doras.org for advice and support about what to do next.
iReport
Report racism online. Whether you would like to make a formal complaint or not, you can fill report the incident via ENAR Ireland’s online reporting mechanism at www.ireport.ie.

WHAT IS A RACIST INCIDENT?

A racist incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person. The incident may involve targeting a person on the basis of their skin colour, or their ethnic, cultural or religious identity. Racist incidents can take many forms including:

Physical – violent assault, threatening behaviour or some other physical attack.
Verbal – name calling, ridiculing, telling racist jokes, making threats by social media or text message, racist graffiti.
Other – ignoring, excluding, distributing racist literature, damaging property.

LEGAL PROTECTION AGAINST RACISM & DISCRIMINATION

Some forms of racist incidents may involve criminal actions such as assault or vandalism.

The laws that relate to racism in Ireland are:

Equal Status Acts 2000-2015 (link to IHREC website)
Employment Equality Act 1998-2011 (link to Workplace Relations website)
Non-Fatal Offenses Against the Person Act 1997
Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994
Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989
Bunreacht na hÉireann The Constitution of Ireland 1937.

ANTI-RACISM CAMPAIGNING

Doras works with local and national partner organisations and service providers to raise awareness of racism issues and to advocate for stronger national legislation and policy. For information on our Anti-Racism work, and to learn what you can do to combat racism, please see: Anti-Racism and Hate Crime