Population figures
Total country population
58,697,744
Forcibly displaced population
Refugees (under UNHCR's mandate):
306,908
Asylum-seekers:
180,062
IDPs (of concern to UNHCR):
0
Other people in need of international protection:
0
Other
Statelessness persons
2,959
Host community
0
Others of concern to UNHCR
0
Country context
Italy has a long history of receiving mixed migration flows, particularly from the Mediterranean and surrounding regions. As of 2022, Italy witnessed a significant increase in the number of refugees , particularly following the war in Ukraine. In addition to Ukrainian arrivals, the country continued to see large numbers of individuals arriving by sea, particularly from Tunisia and other North African regions.
The country is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and remains committed to the principles of refugee protection. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of the efficiency and inclusiveness of asylum procedures. While many refugees benefit from basic services such as healthcare, education, and social support, asylum seekers often face significant barriers to accessing these services, especially if their status is not formalized. The absence of a comprehensive national refugee law has led to a reliance on temporary and ad hoc measures, which vary by region and may limit the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
...The majority of refugees in Italy are located in the southern regions, particularly the islands and coastal areas, although many are also spread across urban centers. While some refugees live in formal reception centers, the Italian system frequently relies on temporary facilities.
Italy has faced challenges in ensuring the effective registration of asylum seekers, with the increased number of arrivals resulting in a backlog of applications. The country’s asylum procedures remain under pressure, and efforts are underway to streamline the process, improve efficiency, and ensure that individuals with specific protection needs, such as women and children, are properly identified and supported.
The increasing recognition of refugee-led organizations and community-based support structures marks a positive shift toward more inclusive approaches, but significant challenges remain in ensuring that all refugees are afforded equal opportunities for integration and protection.
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