At G7 in Italy, UNHCR’s Grandi emphasized the need to protect victims while preventing exploitation by human traffickers

Rome, 4 October 2024 - The UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi participated in the G7 Interior Ministers’ Meeting held at Mirabella Eclano, Italy. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss critical issues, with the morning session on 4 October dedicated to addressing the challenges of migration and the fight against human traffickers.

High Commissioner Grandi emphasized the need to have a comprehensive and panoramic view of the phenomenon, and the recognition of the root causes of forced displacement with renewed political and economic investments in providing a collective response. Countries of first asylum and transit need more support to effectively provide access to quality national services to people forced to flee. To this end, there are strong linkages between the Italian Government’s priorities in Africa and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s efforts in the region.

“Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights and dignity, and I appreciate Italy’s role in bringing this issue to the G7, thus promoting growing commitment beyond regional borders,” said Grandi in his remarks. “However, in the fight against trafficking it is necessary to pay attention to victim protection in parallel with efforts to fight crime. Refugees have no choice but to flee, and it is in this lack of alternatives, in this desperate search for safety, that traffickers prosper, inflicting unspeakable violence on people forced to flee. If we want to defeat the traffickers, we must also offer serious and credible alternatives to those fleeing, tackling the root causes of forced displacement and strengthening safe and regular pathways for migration.”

Ahead of the G7 meeting, Grandi engaged with Italian lawmakers and officials with whom he emphasized the need for increased international solidarity, shared responsibility in managing migration and safeguarding vulnerable populations.

During his meetings both in Parliament and with the Government of Italy, the High Commissioner confirmed UNHCR's monitoring role in the Italy-Albania Protocol, by virtue of its mandate to supervise the application of the 1951 Geneva Refugee Convention (art.35) to protect asylum seekers. UNHCR, which will carry out the monitoring activities with funding from sources other than the parties involved to operate in total independence, will make its assessments and recommendations available to the public and the government at the end of the 3-month period.

Finally, the High Commissioner positively highlighted Italy's role in addressing humanitarian needs around the globe and, at national level, its innovative labour mobility scheme that provides a concrete alternative to dangerous journeys facilitated by smugglers. Additionally, Grandi held discussions about the important role of the private sector in supporting refugees and forcibly displaced communities.

UNHCR, in Italy as well as globally, remains committed to working alongside governments, international organizations, and the private sector to ensure that refugees and asylum-seekers are protected and that safe and legal pathways are strengthened.