Italy’s interesting solution to migrant influx in Sicily

World Today

More than 140 thousand migrants have entered Italy from North Africa this year alone. Europe’s leaders plan to meet this week in Malta to once again discuss the ongoing refugee crisis.

On arrival in Italy, migrants are assigned to one of the immigration centers.

Oasi Don Bosco is a former hotel in Sicily that has answered the government’s call to now accommodate migrants. The owners of the facility receive 29 Euros ($31) per migrant, per day.
For that, each person is given a bed, toiletries, three meals and two and a half euros a day as spending money.

“Winter is a critical time wherever you work because it has a drop in temperature, worsening weather conditions. Their risk is increased,” said Medea Savary of UNHCR.

Given that 3,440 people have already perished or gone missing while attempting the crossing this year, the pressure is on Europe’s leaders to find answers quickly.

CCTV’s Dan Williams reports from Catania, Sicily.


Italian town creates innovative plans to integrate migrants

The islands of Sicily and Lampedusa are on the front line of the migration crisis. At any one time, hundreds of migrants and refugees wait at one of the many reception centers for papers and possible clearance into Europe. Although it has brought a strain to the local community, there are some initiatives that are aimed at integrating the new arrivals.

The 11eleven restaurant is in the heart of Catania’s theater district. It was set up with the aim of providing migrants and local vulnerable people with the chance to work in the kitchen and bar.

The church of Santa Chiara has also played a key role in reaching out to the migrants and refugees.

CCTV’s Dan Williams reports from Catania, Sicily.


Nii Akuetteh on EU migration summit

For more on Europe’s migration summit, CCTV America’s Asieh Namdar spoke to Nii Akuetteh. He is a executive director of The African Immigrant Caucus, AIC in Washington, D.C., and also the former founding executive director of George Soros’ West Africa regional foundation in Abuja, Nigeria.