Swiss Refugee Council: English version of report on the reception conditions of asylum seekers and persons with international protection in Italy.

Read the full Report and the Swiss Refugee Council’s summary.

According to the Report, due to a comparatively limited reception capacity, only a minority of transferees are able to benefit from an ERF funded project, which provides 220 places to Dublin asylum seekers. The Report states that the deficient asylum system leaves many homeless or forced to engage in criminal activities and prostitution.

The Swiss Refugee Council (Schweizersiche Fluechtlingshilfe), ECRE Member, met Italian NGOs and governmental officials in May/June 2013, and expresses deep concern about the situation of recognised refugees sent back to Italy who are considered able to work and thus self-sufficient, and thereby lose access to accommodation centres, social security and other assistance.

Due to Italy’s economic crisis, refugees encounter obstacles in accessing the labour market and integrating into Italy’s society. The Report also argues that Italy’s weak social assistance system and long waiting periods are failing recognised refugees who lack a social safety net or family ties.

Read the full Report and the Swiss Refugee Council’s summary.