A series of events involving refugee associations, local organizations that facilitate social inclusion and integration of refugees, government bodies, and the media began in Rome on November 11 as part of a two-day closing ceremony for a program implemented by UNHCR and INTERSOS.

This fifth edition of PartecipAzione involved ten associations, as noted in a joint statement issued by the UN refugee agency and the NGO.

For the implementation of these projects for social inclusion and integration of refugees, PartecipAzione offered refugee associations training, capacity building, and personalized technical support as well as funding and assistance with planning.

In addition, the strengthening of the network of associations aimed to give greater visibility to the voices of refugees in Italy and to consolidate their key role in civil society.

The workshops and theme-based roundtables enabled debate and exchanges on the challenges and opportunities of refugee integration in Italy.

Program supported dozens of associations across Italy

Since 2018, the joint statement noted, PartecipAzione has directly supported 50 refugee associations in 12 Italian regions, providing funding and ongoing training through a team for integration projects.

Some 70% of the associations involved presented new projects, 87% developed collaborations with other civil society players, 82% increased their visibility in the media, and over 50% took part in decision-making bodies alongside institutions.

Associations in 5th edition

Two associations -- Support UA Children and Donne dell'Est -- implemented projects to assist those fleeing Ukraine, including through psychological support groups and legal consultancy.

An organization founded by seven women who fled Afghanistan in August 2021 when the Taliban took over and were granted protection in Italy -- the Associazione di Solidarietà Donne per le Donne (ASDD) -- focuses on reproductive health as a tool for women's emancipation.

Two associations -- MOS and Il Grande Colibrì -- brought in projects for inclusion in the labor market and for housing of LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers fleeing their home countries for reasons linked to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Focusing on food as a vehicle for cultural exchange and for economic independence are instead Origens and In Cammino con Gustamundo: both promote courses of multiethnic cuisine for women refugees.

The association founded by day labourers Sotto il Baobab, which had been part of the 2021 edition as well, this year created a cultural center for women only as part of a push for greater inclusivity.

Investing in socio-economic integration is the project by Stra Vox, an association with roots in the Ballarò area of Palermo, where an office for legal consultancy and labor market orientation was created for the city's community of refugees and asylum seekers.

PartecipAzione 2022 made it possible to create the first organization for stateless individuals in Italy, the Unione Italiana Apolidi (UNIA), which aims to give a voice and representation to the fragmented community of those who do not hold the citizenship of any country.