Derry City and Strabane District Council has launched a new leaflet aimed at providing factual information about migration, refugees and asylum seekers.

The council said ‘Myth Busting Migration – What are the facts’ addresses some of the most common misconceptions surrounding migration, including questions about housing, employment, crime, benefits and asylum, using evidence from official statistics.

It also explains the differences between refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, highlighting the valuable contribution people from diverse backgrounds make to local communities and the economy.

Produced by Council’s Good Relations department, the leaflet encourages residents to challenge misinformation, think critically about information shared online and celebrate the diversity that exists in the City and District.

The Mayor Councillor Grace Uí Niallais has launched a Myth Busting Migration, What are the Facts, leaflet, published Derry City and Strabane District Council. Pictured at the launch are from left, Sameh Hassan, North West Islamic Association, Jonah Atos, Kabalikat in the North West, Doreen Murghi, Afro Caribbean Community Network and former Community Relations Council Chair, Peter Osbourne. Back from left, Martin Gallagher and Louise Kitson, DCSDC, Good Relations Team, Paul Douglas from The Executive Office and Amanda Biega from the Good Relations Team. Picture Martin McKeown. 05.08.26

placeholder image — The Mayor Councillor Grace Uí Niallais has launched a Myth Busting Migration, What are the Facts, leaflet, published Derry City and Strabane District Council. Pictured at the launch are from left, Sameh Hassan, North West Islamic Association, Jonah Atos, Kabalikat in the North West, Doreen Murghi, Afro Caribbean Community Network and former Community Relations Council Chair, Peter Osbourne. Back from left, Martin Gallagher and Louise Kitson, DCSDC, Good Relations Team, Paul Douglas from The Executive Office and Amanda Biega from the Good Relations Team. Picture Martin McKeown. 05.08.26

The council’s Good Relations department also aim to promote cultural diversity, youth leadership, community integration, support for shared spaces, minority ethnic inclusion, traveller awareness.

It also signposts people to organisations that can provide support or advice and information on reporting hate crime.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais launched the new resource this week in the Guildhall.

“Our City and District has a proud tradition of welcoming people from different backgrounds and we know that strong communities are built on respect and understanding,” she said.

“Unfortunately, some myths and misinformation can create unnecessary fear and division and this leaflet aims to provide clear, evidence-based facts that help people better understand migration here.

“I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to read the leaflet, share it with family and friends and play their part in challenging misinformation so that this Council area is a welcoming place where everyone feels valued.”

A spokesperson for the council added that the leaflet explains that asylum seekers represent just 0.1 per cent of the population in the Derry City and Strabane district and highlights the important role migration plays in supporting local services, addressing workforce shortages and contributing to the economy.

It also encourages people to rely on trusted information sources rather than misinformation circulated online.

The Myth Busting Migration leaflet is available through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Good Relations team and online via the Council website at https://www.derrystrabane.com/community/good-relations