Migrations, humanitarian corridors: 58 Syrians from Lebanon and 15 refugees from the camps of Greece, among them there are 24 minors

ROME – On Thursday 30 March, 58 Syrian refugees who have lived in refugee camps in Lebanon or in precarious housing on the outskirts of Beirut will arrive in Fiumicino on a flight from Beirut. These are families who in recent months have suffered a serious deterioration in their living conditions due to the serious political, economic and social crisis that is affecting the country. Among them 24 minors who, due to the situation of their families, could not attend school, and some who need urgent medical care. Their entry into Italy is made possible thanks to the humanitarian corridors promoted by Community of Sant’Egidio, Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy and Waldensian table, in agreement with the Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs, which since February 2016 have brought 2,486 people to safety in our country, from Lebanon alone. Overall, over 6,000 refugees have arrived in Europe with the humanitarian corridors.

What their stories prove. The stories of those who have already arrived show that it is possible not only to save those who risk falling into the hands of human traffickers, but also to start integration paths. At a time when saving human lives appears ever more urgent, as also recalled by Pope Francis in the recent audience with refugees who arrived thanks to the humanitarian corridors, the model started by Sant’Egidio And Protestant churches, later replicated also with other associations, has instead seen solidarity grow, thanks to the generosity of many Italians – some of whom have even offered their homes for hospitality – and to their voluntary and free commitment. The arriving families will be welcomed in various Italian regions and embarked on a path of integration: for minors through immediate enrollment in school, for adults with the learning of the Italian language and, once refugee status has been obtained, entry into the world of work.

The quota agreed with the government is completed. On the same day, 15 asylum seekers will also arrive from the camps in Greece, numerous and single families, some in serious health conditions, coming from Iraq, Somalia and Congo. With this arrival, the quota set in the memorandum of understanding between Sant’Egidio and the Italian government is completed, which allowed 300 people to arrive through the humanitarian corridors, to which are added 70 people rescued following the Pope’s trips Francis in Lesbos. The appointment for welcoming the refugees and a press conference are set for 12 on Thursday 30 March, with journalists arriving no later than 11 at door 5 of Terminal 3 departures of Fiumicino to be accompanied to the conference venue. Speakers will include Marco Impagliazzo, president of the Community of Sant’Egidio, Marta Bernardini, coordinator of the migrant program of the Federation of Evangelical Churches, Manuela Vinay, on behalf of the Tavola Valdese, together with representatives of the Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs.