ROME, 24 NOVEMBER – “Italy should be the leader in Europe for the humanitarian corridors, pointing the way to an established project, that the European Union should adopt as a model of reception and integration to those in need of humanitarian protection”. With these words the President of Comunita’ di Sant’Egidio, Marco Impagliazzo, welcomed 152 Afghani refugees arriving at Fiumicino Airport from Pakistan thanks to a protocol with the Italian State and the collaboration of the Italian Embassy in Islamabad. Mgr. Giuseppe Baturi, Secretary General of the CEI, Libero Ciuffreda, member of the Council of the FCEI (The Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy) and Filippo Miraglia, national immigration manager of Arci, were at the airport to welcome the refugees as well.
“All of Italy celebrates your arrival, welcomes you. We want to give a future, through home, school and work, to families to whom war seemed to have denied it. In August 2021, when the borders of Afghanistan closed, we made a promise: we will not forget you! Today we are happy to welcome you. Help us build a common future here in Italy,” said Impagliazzo.
Afghani citizens, some of which had been refugees in Pakistan for over a year, will be welcomed by associations, religious congregations, communities and individuals in different Italian regions. Minors will be immediately enrolled in school, while adults will start language programs. Once they will obtain refugee status, will be be able to access to jobs.
Humanitarian corridors, entirely self-financed and supported by the generosity and commitment of many Italian citizens, represent a best practice that combines solidarity and security. With this system, thanks to a widespread reception network, more than 5,300 refugees have arrived in Europe, plus over 1,800 Ukrainian citizens were welcomed by the Community of Sant’Egidio in several European countries. Other arrivals from Lebanon and Libya are expected in the next few days. (@OnuItalia)
