139 refugees evacuated from Libya arrive in Italy via humanitarian corridors
139 refugees evacuated from Libya arrive in Italy via humanitarian corridors
A father and his daughter arriving at Fiumicino Airport on an evacuation flight from Libya that brought 139 people to safety.
On 11 February, 139 refugees arrived at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino, Italy, on a charter flight organized by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, from Tripoli, Libya. Among them were 39 women and 69 minors, some of whom were born in Libya, where they have lived for an extended period with their families under extremely difficult conditions. Their entry into Italy was made possible by the protocol between the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, UNHCR, Arci, and the Community of Sant’Egidio, signed in December 2023, which has so far ensured the safe arrival of 592 people.
Coming from various countries in Africa, the refugees will be welcomed in different Italian regions by the Community of Sant’Egidio, Arci, and through the national reception system SAI. They will immediately begin their integration process, following the well-established model of humanitarian corridors. For minors, this will be by attending school, and for adults, by learning the Italian language and entering the job market.
Fully self-funded, humanitarian corridors is a civil society initiative that demonstrates that it is possible to provide alternatives to dangerous sea crossings – and thus even human traffickers – and offer reception and integration. This internationally recognized best practice can serve as a model for states and the entire European Union. At a time of increasing wars, humanitarian corridors provide a concrete response for vulnerable individuals and families who have the right to protection and deserve a chance for a better future.
Since February 2016, approximately 8,000 refugees arrived in Europe through humanitarian corridors.
