A REPRESENTATIVE OF the migrant community in Ireland, Zéphyrin Ngaliema Mukoko, today joined Dublin’s Joint Policing Committee, a move that is part of a plan to develop a closer relationship between Gardaí and the migrant community.

Mukoko works for The Integration Centre, which was selected from 6 bodies who applied when the position was advertised, to have a representative on the Joint Policing Committee.

A qualified solicitor, he was on the Bar of the International Criminal Court in 2003 and has helped hundreds of immigrants in Ireland get their legal rights around Citizenship and Family Reunification

Commenting today Mukoko said:

As a citizen, the structures of the Irish State and their ability to relate to all citizens are very important to me. I take this opportunity very seriously. Hopefully, I can help to make a real difference, by both highlighting migrant specific issues and being a role model to others.

Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre said the organisation produced a paper last year detailing 40 blockages to the social inclusion of immigrants and offering 80 solutions, including the opening up of state bodies like the Joint Policing Committees.

Zephyrin Ngaliema Mukoko and Assistant Garda Commissioner John Twomey. (Image: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland)

Assistant Commissioner John Twomey, who has responsibility for policing in Dublin, welcomed the appointment of Mukoko and said he hoped to “further develop the already positive working relationship with An Garda Síochána in integrating all communities throughout the city”.

“The most recent conference on 2nd generation integration is but one example of the great work ongoing in this area,” he said “In addition our Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers are in place throughout Dublin and have specific responsibility for working with all such communities.”