Two-thirds of asylum seeker live in emergency accomodation, a new report has revealed.
The report, issued by the Vincentian Refugee Centre, also shows that most refugees are prejudiced against when seeking accommodation.
In the private rental market, landlords have refused to take in refugees on racial and language grounds. Refugees as a result have become depressed and isolated from the community, the report stated.
Speaking at the launch of the centre’s annual report, the VRC administrator, Fr Brian Moore said that many refugees had suffered from low self-esteem through continuous racial abuse.
"Many of these asylum seekers are assumed by the community at large of being unskilled. But many of them have not just degrees but masters and doctorates. Once Irish people learn of this their attitude changes. Those coming here have a great contribution to give," he added.
South African Ambassador Ms Melanie Verwoerd said that multiculturalism and integration was a vital part of breaking down racial barriers.
Ms Verwoerd added that South Africa should be taken as example of cultural integration. "Multiculturalism was seen in South Africa as an exciting challenge to integrate different races into schools, health and educational systems without fear and racial prejudice," she said.
The Vincentian Centre provides a social and academic support outlet for asylum seekers. It dealt with over 40,000 queries last year. Over 80 per cent of those queries came from asylum seekers. Their primary concerns were to find accommodation and learn the language.