UNHCR evacuates 122 refugees from Libya in latest flight to Italy: States can save lives with safe pathways, resettlement and family reunification
UNHCR evacuates 122 refugees from Libya in latest flight to Italy: States can save lives with safe pathways, resettlement and family reunification
Mariam and Mamdouh and their three children, originally from Sudan, arrive safely to Italy, thanks to a humanitarian evacuation flight from Libya.
Today, 122 refugees, mainly from Sudan, South Sudan, and Eritrea, arrived at Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome on a charter flight organized by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, from Tripoli, Libya. Among them are 31 women and 62 children. Their entry into Italy is made possible thanks to ongoing efforts by the Italian Government. A protocol signed in December 2023 by the Italian Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, UNHCR, local partner organization Arci and the community of Sant'Egidio has allowed for the safe arrival of 659 refugees to Italy so far this year.
These safe pathways benefit people forced to flee their countries due to war, violence and persecution, who are staying in Libya, living in challenging conditions. Among them are children, women who have been victims of trafficking, survivors of violence and torture, and people with serious health conditions, identified as among the most vulnerable and in need of urgent assistance.
Upon arrival to Italy, 39 people will be welcomed in the Italian national Reception and Integration System’s (SAI) centers for asylum-seekers and refugees; the organization Arci will support 30 people in their shelters, and the remaining 53 people will be supported by the Community of Sant'Egidio.
“Italy is charting a new course, where institutions, businesses, and civil society walk together. Safe pathways combine protection and opportunity by offering safe and legally protected alternatives to dangerous journeys, allowing refugees to contribute to the society and economy of this country, focusing on people and their potential. This approach should serve as inspiration for other countries in Europe and beyond.” stated Chiara Cardoletti, UNHCR Representative for Italy, the Holy See and San Marino.
Since 2017, Italy has welcomed 2,048 refugees and asylum-seekers from Libya through UNHCR's evacuation and resettlement programmes. States can play a leading role in addressing forced displacement by opening safe pathways for refugees. This includes resettlement, which provides a lifeline for refugees with the most acute protection needs, as well as opportunities to work, study, reunite with family members or benefit from sponsorship opportunities supported by the wider community. Italy has been spearheading these efforts, for example by allowing refugee students to obtain scholarships for Master's degree programmes at Italian universities through the “University Corridors” initiative. More recently, Italy has established a labor mobility scheme for refugees, implemented together with the private sector.
“Against the backdrop of significant global forced displacement, the international community plays a critical role in increasing access for refugees to protection and solutions. Italy continues to set a positive example in supporting many refugees with safe pathways, and the chance to build a future in the country,” reflected the UNHCR Europe Bureau Director, Philippe Leclerc.
Expanding access to third country solutions allows refugees to rebuild a dignified future, avoiding dangerous journeys into the hands of smugglers. These solutions also represent a sign of solidarity with low- and middle-income countries, which host 71 per cent of the world's refugees.
