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Sep 02 2011 - 15:00

MART Sala Conferenze

Immigration. The reasons for the flight of young people from the Southern shore

Laura Boldrini

Laura Boldrini, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Introducing Paola Rosà, journalist


The generation of Tahrir Square and those who brave the sea aboard fishing boats speak the same language. They tell us how their societies are transforming and demonstrate that in such a connected world, what happens far from us has repercussions at home. But how can Italy face this situation without dehumanizing men and women through labels like “migrants,” “irregulars,” and “clandestines”? And what is Europe truly willing to do about it, knowing that the reasons for these young people’s flight lie in their desire for a life of opportunity, work, and the respect of their dignity as human beings?

Laura Boldrini worked at the World Food Programme (WFP) as a spokesperson for Italy. She is currently the spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at the Rome office, where she also coordinates the agency's information activities in Greece, Malta, Cyprus, and Albania. Over the years, in addition to monitoring crises in Kosovo, Sudan, and Afghanistan, she has focused particularly on the flows of migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean. Famiglia Cristiana named her “Italian of the Year 2009” for her “constant commitment, carried out with humanity and balance, in favor of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.” In 2010, she published Tutti Indietro. Among the numerous awards she has received are the Official Medal of the National Commission for Equality and Equal Opportunities between Men and Women, the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and the Consorte Prize from the President of the Republic.