The Mayor of Trieste and officials from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region recently conducted separate inspections: the mayor focused on migrants sleeping rough, while regional officials examined issues related to unaccompanied foreign minors and their integration. The mayor plans to address these concerns with relevant institutions.
Trieste Mayor Roberto Dipiazza visited the city’s Old Port on Tuesday, November 5, to assess the situation of approximately 100 migrants sleeping rough near Largo Santos, close to an old parking lot exit. In an interview with ANSA, Mayor Dipiazza stated that in the coming days, he plans to meet with relevant institutions to "make a decision on the issue."
Trieste is often the first destination for migrants who take the 'Balkan route'. Many stop in the city for a few days before resuming their journey towards European destinations, including to reach family members or acquaintances in hopes of finding a job. Others remain in Trieste, either after applying for refugee status or because they lack alternative destinations.
After the closure of the Silos last June, a facility nearby in dire conditions, the situation had improved with the transfer of migrants, including to other regions, but things are progressively returning to what they were before.
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Oikos association requests support for unaccompanied, troubled minors
Also on November 5, members of the 6th Regional Council Commission visited Il Mondo in Casa ("The World at Home"), a community facility in Fagagna managed by the Oikos Association.
During the visit, Oikos advocated for increased oversight of facilities responsible for unaccompanied foreign minors to prevent exploitation. They also requested support in identifying centers equipped to assist teens with stress-related syndromes or behavioral disorders.
Another key issue raised was the lack of proper housing for young migrants in Friuli Venezia Giulia who, after turning 18, often secure employment but struggle to find stable and adequate accommodation.
"This is a journey of hosting and integration that is extremely interesting and innovative, even considering that the problem of the arrival of foreign minors is complex and difficult to solve," commented Commission President Roberto Novelli (Forza Italia).
He acknowledged concerns about instances of reported violence and requested additional information on employment opportunities for the youths. "Companies are constantly seeking young workers," he was told, "but housing options are lacking," leaving many young people at risk of "undignified living conditions or even homelessness."
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