Short film on DP kids released

A new film is shining a light on the realities of children living in Direct Provision.

‘Direct Division’ is a short film from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) which is being screened in libraries across Cork from Friday 10 December to mark International Human Rights Day.

As part of a major report first published in 2020, the film provides a unique insight into the views and experiences of children living in Direct Provision accommodation.

The film details the experiences of 73 children aged 12-17 living in nine Direct Provision centres across Ireland. They talk about school, the local community and wider Irish society.

Lack of space and privacy, discrimination and racism at school and in the community were some of the difficult issues raised by children.

They also talked about more positive aspects that helped them feel included at school and in the community.

This is a must see for anyone interested in human rights and the treatment of children in Ireland.

The Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon said: “We all know that living in Direct Provision can be extremely difficult. However, hearing about the everyday experiences of children living in these circumstances really highlights how abnormal it is and the difficulties it can cause for young people.

“‘Direct Division’ is a short film we have produced to give these young people a voice and to allow people an insight into this way of living.”

He added: “The Government has announced, through the White Paper on Direct Provision that there will be an end to this way of living. This is very much to be welcomed, but in the meantime we cannot forget that childhoods are passing by as children are still spending years living in Direct Provision.”

The OCO’s report can be read at oco.ie/directdivision/direct-division-report.