“In Trieste, the ‘Silo of Shame,’ a dilapidated storage structure near the city’s train station, has become a distressing symbol of the plight faced by hundreds of migrants awaiting their refugee status. Primarily consisting of Syrian and Afghan asylum seekers, these individuals have found themselves residing in an enormous abandoned building after being unable to secure shelter within the migrant shelter system.”
The building, previously utilized as temporary accommodation for thousands of refugees during the Istrian-Dalmatian exodus following World War II, now bears witness to the harsh realities endured by its current occupants. Known as Trieste’s “Silo of Shame,” the migrants, many of whom arrived via the perilous Balkan route, are forced to live amidst rats on dirt floors without access to basic sanitation facilities.
For years, the structure has been a focal point of political debate within the city. Volunteer associations such as Linea D’Ombra and the Italian Solidarity Consortium (ICS) have stepped in to provide support and assistance to the asylum seekers residing in the silo. They offer warm meals and guidance on finding places where the migrants can wash and learn Italian.
The situation surrounding the silo is entangled in political complexities. The local Co-op Alliance 3.0, which owns the building, argues that it should not bear the responsibility of accommodating hundreds of migrants. Instead, they insist that it is the state’s duty to address the issue. However, Pierpaolo Roberti, the Regional Councillor for Security, highlights that the structure’s private ownership has limited their ability to take action. He emphasizes that if it were a public building, they could have intervened to address the dire situation. Regrettably, the private entity responsible for the building has neglected its maintenance, and the current circumstances are being exploited for political gain.
Gianfranco Schiavone, President of ICS, challenges the notion of an “emergency” in Trieste, asserting that the situation has been “fabricated.” He presents statistics indicating that the city receives an average of only four asylum seekers per day, making it implausible for the Italian State to claim an inability to provide lodging for such a small number. Schiavone’s statement raises questions about the government’s response to the crisis and the extent of its commitment to addressing the needs of these vulnerable individuals.
As Trieste’s abandoned building continues to house migrants in deplorable conditions, the urgency to find a resolution to this humanitarian crisis grows. The plight of these asylum seekers underscores the pressing need for comprehensive and compassionate policies that prioritize the well-being and dignity of those seeking refuge.