News

Law Centre NI launches Sanctuary Services Map to improve access to support across Belfast

Law Centre NI launches Sanctuary Services Map to improve access to support across Belfast

Work Capability Assessment (WCA) Guide

This guide has been developed by Law Centre NI to help advisers understand the Work Capability Assessment and support clients through the claims process. Bringing together key legislation, case law and guidance, it provides practical information on eligibility, evidence, LCW and LCWRA entitlement, and challenging decisions. We hope it gives advisers the knowledge and confidence to effectively support claimants.

Beyond the Landmark Judgment: Securing Justice for Bereaved Families

Following a landmark legal challenge brought by Siobhan McLaughlin, the Supreme Court ruled that excluding unmarried cohabiting parents from bereavement benefits breached their human rights. This led to changes in the law extending entitlement to eligible cohabiting parents from August 2018 onwards. However, the legislative change did not provide a remedy for families who had been denied benefits before that date. Law Centre NI subsequently represented Joanne Armstrong and a claimant granted anonymity, and later assisted Siobhan McLaughlin in securing compensation for the human rights breaches they suffered prior to August 2018.

Refugee & Asylum Forum Gathering 2026

Our Migration Justice team were thrilled to host the Refugee & Asylum Forum Gathering at the end of June, which brought together almost 100 people from across Northern Ireland’s refugee-support sector.

LCNI Statement on Gaza Student Scheme and the Medical Evacuations Scheme

Law Centre NI welcomes the continuation of the Gaza Student Scheme and Medical Evacuations Scheme for critically ill children. While these schemes provide vital safe and legal routes for a small number of people, many others in Gaza remain unable to access protection due to significant barriers. Law Centre NI is calling on the UK Government to expand safe and legal routes for those trapped in Gaza.

Celebrating Courage, Community and Solidarity During Refugee Week

During Refugee Week, our Migration Justice colleagues have been busy attending events across Northern Ireland to celebrate the courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees and those seeking sanctuary.

Official Error and Waiver Statistics 2025/26

New figures show a 33% increase in Universal Credit overpayments caused by official error in Northern Ireland, with almost 20,000 cases worth £12.8 million identified in 2025/26. As more claimants become liable to repay overpayments caused by Departmental mistakes, Law Centre NI is calling for greater transparency and awareness of Discretionary Waivers, which can help protect vulnerable households from financial hardship.

Reflections from our collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast for Refugee Week.

As part of Refugee Week, Law Centre NI and Queen’s University Belfast hosted a lecture by immigration solicitor Peter Fitzmaurice on refugee status determination and the realities of international protection in an increasingly uncertain world. Drawing on over two decades of experience with UNHCR and OCHA, Peter reflected on the human impact of asylum decision-making and the lessons that continue to shape his work supporting people seeking sanctuary in Northern Ireland. A panel discussion with Professor Colin Harvey and Syrian journalist Khaled Zalitou explored the challenges facing refugee protection today, highlighting the importance of human rights, access to justice, and combating misinformation. The event concluded with a call for individuals and communities to play an active role in building a more welcoming and informed society.

Refugee Week 2026: The Many Faces of Courage

Refugee Week 2026 celebrates the courage of people seeking sanctuary and the communities that support them. Across Northern Ireland, individuals and organisations have shown solidarity with refugees and challenged hate and racism. While recognising these positive actions, Law Centre NI is calling on Stormont to strengthen racial equality protections and create a more inclusive society where everyone can live safely and with dignity.

Law Centre NI Statement

Law Centre NI stands with refugees Following the recent knife attack and subsequent racist disorder, Law Centre NI expresses our support for the victim, his family circle and all those affected. Our statement highlights the importance of compassion, accurate information and community support, and urges people to stand against division and hatred.

Refugee facts and statistics: Northern Ireland briefing resource

This briefing resource is developed and updated regularly using statistics datasets released quarterly by the Home Office.

Stormont must deliver on racial equality legislation: Law Centre NI responds to TEO consultation on draft Framework on Race Relations

Law Centre NI has set out a critical response to the draft Framework for Race Relations and Delivery Plan 2026–28. While the Framework contains some positive commitments, it also includes serious shortcomings and notable omissions. If left unaddressed, these weaknesses risk undermining efforts to advance racial equality in Northern Ireland. Click here to read our critique and recommendations to TEO for strengthening racial equality in Northern Ireland.

Law Centre NI submits evidence to the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment

Law Centre NI has submitted our response to the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment, in which we have outlined a series of key considerations and recommendations.