The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on Thursday (September 8) published 12 proposals on key aspects for refugee protection in Italy that had been sent to the leaders of political parties ahead of the September 25 parliamentary elections.

The statement noted that Italy has long played a fundamental role in providing support to those forced to flee their countries due to war, violence, persecution, and human rights violations and that it had done so both through efforts to help those arriving in Europe in search of protection and through strategic contribution in multilateral processes on asylum and support to countries that host over 80% of refugees and IDPs in the world.

12 recommendations for political leaders

The 12 UNHCR recommendations are:

• strengthen international efforts to deal with the causes of forced migration;
• promote European cooperation and solidarity on asylum;
• ensure fair use of resources allocated for asylum through improving governance and planning;
• ensure rescues at sea and access to the territory to save human lives;
• maintain a leading role in legal and safe channels for refugees;
• make reception a launchpad for integration;
• protect and take care of the most vulnerable;
• set up an asylum agency to strengthen the integrity of the system and the efficiency of procedures;
• create an integration system that is a asset for refugees and the country;
• deal with obstacles impeding the repatriation of people who do not need protection;
• involve refugees in the search for solutions for their future;
• and maintain a balanced and objective narrative on the issue of forced migration flows.

UNHCR 'will support future government'

The 12 proposals concern areas that UNHCR considers a priority to support the fundamental rights of refugees and asylum seekers and develop lasting solutions ensuring a better future for them and their community, the UN agency said.

It added that UNHCR has long cooperated in a beneficial way with Italian institutions and civil society on these issues and will continue to work to support the Italian government in responding to humanitarian crises, managing migration flows, and improving refugee protection in the country and abroad.