Mattarella: “We must not ignore the drama of refugees. International action overcomes the emergency”

«Around 100 million men, women and children, on all continents, are forced to leave their homes to find protection against persecution, abuse and violence. The sense of humanity and respect for the highest values ​​enshrined in the Republican Constitution require not ignoring their drama. In celebrating World Refugee Day today, it is appropriate to reiterate that initiatives to assist these people, and in particular refugees who find themselves in particularly vulnerable conditions, must be accompanied by the search for an indispensable and very urgent long-term structural solution » underlines the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on the occasion of World Refugee Day.

«In order to definitively overcome the emergency management of these phenomena with an action of European and international scope – he continues – it is essential to intervene on the root causes that push such a large number of needy human beings to abandon their countries. They deserve alternative opportunities to the risky journeys that, driven by circumstances, they undertake even in prohibitive conditions”. «Always – claims the Head of State – Italy has been at the forefront in fulfilling the high duty of solidarity, assistance and hospitality, according to the provisions of the Constitution for those who are prevented in their own country from effectively exercising their democratic rights and freedoms.

«In the awareness of the numerous challenges that see us as protagonists in the defense of refugees, I would like to thank the High Commissioner of the United Nations, with which Italy maintains intense ties of collaboration. I also thank – concludes Mattarella – the personnel of the various State Administrations and all the operators of international protection and reception who, with great professionalism and a profound humanitarian spirit, work daily to alleviate the suffering of refugees and guarantee them access to essential services”.