ROME - At 9:30 a.m. on Monday morning 40 refugees arrived in Fiumicino from the Greek island of Lesbos. Hailing from nine different countries, they will be sent to live safely in several Italian regions, thanks to the Community of Sant'Egidio's Humanitarian Corridors project.

  These are just the latest migrants to be helped by the project, which has so far saved 3,500 migrants from exploitative human traffickers, delivering them to safe homes in Italy, France, Belgium and Andorra.

  The protocol is signed by the Community of Sant’Egidio, other religious and charitable organisations in France and the Interior Ministries of the countries involved. This last arrival of 40 migrants in Italy is also thanks to the collaboration with Greek authorities and the European Commission.

  The objective of the project is to resolve the dire situations of some migrants (families with children, vulnerable individuals and unaccompanied minors) who have been living by now for some time in camps on the Greek island - in conditions made especially difficult in recent months due to the pandemic.

  The 40 refugees, including 13 minors, are all leaving behind them stories of tragedy and horror, fleeing from countries in the throes of war, violent dictatorships and famine.

 All the refugees have precise journeys planned for their integration, being spread through nine regions (Lazio, Lombardy, Liguria, Piedmont, Sicily, Puglia, Molise, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and  Trentino-Alto Adige). Their hospitality is provided and organised by the Community of Sant’Egidio, as well as protestant churches and organisations such as the Community Pope John XXIII. 

  All adults will be given free Italian courses and help finding work, while minors will all immediately be enlisted in Italian schools.

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