Italy plays a "pivotal" role in welcoming and protecting refugees who have made dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean and the Balkans to escape violence in their homelands, the United Nations said on Friday.
“Italy has confirmed its pivotal role in the reception and protection of refugees fleeing violence and persecution who take the Central Mediterranean and Balkan routes in the attempt to seek safety,"UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said on Friday.
"The international community must do more to save the lives of refugees taking these perilous journeys," Grandi said in remarks at the end of a visit to Italy this week.
States must work together to save the lives of refugees and migrants, especially at sea, Grandi underlined, according to the UNHCR statement.
Grandi lauded Italy for ensuring access to asylum throughout the COVID-19 emergency, despite the numerous challenges and growing migratory pressures the country faces at its sea and land borders.
The UNHCR chief also commended Italy's "constructive" approach to the current negotiations on a new European Union pact on migration and asylum that seeks to readdress "the balance between responsibility and solidarity," according to the statement.
“I was encouraged to hear the government emphasising that a common European approach to questions of asylum and migration is absolutely crucial," Grandi stated.
Grandi also said he was pleased to learn from his talks with Italian officials in Rome that the proposed pact "poses a unique opportunity for an approach that is more comprehensive, better managed and predictable."
“I would also like to express my appreciation for the support provided by Italy to countries hosting high numbers of refugees - people in need of protection and safety," said Grandi.
During his visit, Grandi held talks with Italy's president Sergio Mattarella, premier Mario Draghi, Speakers of the Senate and Deputies’ Chambers, Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati and Roberto Fico, foreign minister Luigi Di Maio and interior minister Luciana Lamorgese
Grandi also met refugees and members of the public, who told him at length about their priorities and concerns. "Integration is a major challenge for refugees living in Italy," he said.
Appealing for more international solidarity with countries of transit and asylum, Grandi called on nations to increase and reinforce safe and regular pathways to asylum, such as resettlement and humanitarian corridors.
