Syrian refugees arrive safely
in Rome thanks to 'humanitarian corridor'
 |
| Syrian refugees arrive in Rome and are welcomed by members of the Sant'Egidio community. |
A group of Syrian refugees from the devastated city of Homs
were welcomed to Italy on Tuesday morning by members of the Sant'Egidio
community thanks to the ecumenical 'humanitarian corridor' project.
By Linda Bordoni
“Welcome” and “Peace” were the words with which a group of
children and adolescents and their families from the war-torn city of Homs
in Syria were greeted on Tuesday morning as they arrived in
Rome.
They were also offered a Palm Sunday olive branch and an
Italian language tuition book by members of theSant’Egidio Community who
met them at the airport.
The refugees travelled safely to Italy thanks to the “humanitarian
corridor” project carried out and funded by Sant’Egidio in collaboration
with the Federation of Evangelical, Waldensian and Methodist Churches.
Support of Pope Francis
Pope Francis has welcomed the initiative describing it as a
“concrete sign of commitment to peace and life” that helps people fleeing war
and violence.
Speaking after the Angelus on 6 March 2016 he said "As
a concrete sign of commitment to peace and life, I want to mention and express
admiration for humanitarian corridors in favour of refugees, launched recently
in Italy. This pilot project, which combines solidarity and security, allows
one to help people fleeing war and violence, as the hundred refugees who have
already been transferred to Italy, including sick children, disabled people,
war widows with children, and the elderly. I also welcome this initiative
because it is an ecumenical one, supported by the Community of Sant’Egidio, the
Italian Federation of Evangelical Churches, and the Waldensian and Methodist
churches".
Since February 2016 over 1000 refugees have arrived in Italy
through a humanitarian corridor.
Aims of project
The aim of the project is to avoid journeys on the boats in
the Mediterranean, which have already caused innumerable deaths; to avoid human
trafficking by preventing exploitation by human traffickers who do business at
the cost of those who flee from wars, persecution or hunger ; to grant people
in "vulnerable conditions"(victims of persecution, torture and
violence, as well as families with children, elderly people, sick people,
persons with disabilities) legal entry on Italian territory with humanitarian
visas and the possibility to apply for asylum.
Organizers point out that it is a safe solution for all,
because visa issuing procedures require all the necessary checks by Italian
authorities.
Once in Italy, the refugees are hosted in houses and
communities and taught Italian. The children are enrolled in school and the
adults are assisted in searching for work.
Memorandum of Understanding
The “Humanitarian Corridors” are the result of a Memorandum
of Understanding signed by the faith-based groups involved and by the Italian
Government that issues humanitarian visas with “limited territorial validity”
meaning they are valid only for Italy. Once the refugees arrive in the country
legally and safely, they can apply for asylum.
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