Humanitarian corridors, Community of Sant’Egidio: twenty-two refugees from Afghanistan arriving at Fiumicino

ROME – On Thursday 20 July, 22 Afghan refugees will arrive on a flight from Islamabad thanks to Humanitarian Corridors promoted by Community of Sant’Egidio, in agreement with the Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs. Another 20 people will be added to this first group in the next few days. The Afghan nationals, refugees in Pakistan since August 2021, have spent nearly two years in gravely precarious conditions in an informal refugee camp in central Islamabad. Because, after the fall of Kabul and the great initial mobilization, many of the Afghans who managed to escape by taking refuge in neighboring countries are still awaiting resettlement.

Reception in different regions. After arriving at Fiumicino, the refugees will be welcomed in various regions (Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy) and immediately set off towards integration, starting with learning the Italian language, thanks to Humanitarian Corridors – promoted by Sant’Egidio together with various Churches and associations – which have so far allowed the safe arrival of over 6,300 refugees in Europe (5,400 in Italy), including about 800 Afghans. This project, entirely self-financed, is realized thanks to a widespread reception network, supported by the generosity of many Italian citizens, and represents a model of success, which combines solidarity and security.

The appointment. The reception of the refugees and the press conference with the president of the Community of Sant’EgidioMarco Impagliazzo, will be at 11.30, with journalists arriving no later than 10.30 at door 5 of the Terminal 3 departures from Leonardo da Vinci Airport to be accompanied to the conference venue.