On March 4 2023, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) solidified their partnership by signing an agreement aimed at bolstering migrant reception within Italy.
The agreement focuses on strengthening Italy’s System of Reception and Integration (SAI), a key initiative resulting from the collaborative efforts of ANCI and UNHCR under the National Asylum Program (PNA) established in 2001.
Currently, the SAI system provides refuge for over 35,000 individuals, primarily consisting of refugees. This accounts for approximately 25% of the broader shelter system in Italy, which accommodates around 138,000 people.
The newly forged agreement aims to enhance cooperation between municipalities and reinforce their commitment to refugee integration. Through initiatives like the “Common Space” (Spazio Comune), which facilitates multi-service centers for refugee integration, the agreement seeks to strengthen collaboration among cities and advance their efforts in building inclusive communities.
Chiara Cardoletti, UNHCR representative for Italy, the Vatican, and San Marino, highlighted the pivotal role of municipalities in refugee integration. She emphasized the significance of municipalities as incubators of innovation and best practices, crucial in facilitating the seamless integration of refugees into the social fabric of cities.
Cardoletti also commended ANCI’s role as a key partner in promoting an inclusive society. She emphasized the potential for collaboration between UNHCR and ANCI in developing strategies to address the unique needs of both host and refugee communities, fostering a more cohesive and supportive environment.