The University of Pisa has adhered to the ‘Manifesto dell'Università inclusiva’ promoted by the UN High Commission for Refugees, which aims to facilitate access by refugees to university education and research, and to promote social integration and active participation in academic life.
The Manifesto was presented in Rome on 31 October and the University of Pisa was among the first twenty universities to uphold the Manifesto, in the wake of the numerous activities carried out in this field and in keeping with the commitment demonstrated through the recent participation in the University for Peace Network promoted by the CRUI.
Some moments of the presentation in Rome with Professor Enza Pellecchia and Professor Marcello Di Filippo on the left
The ‘Manifesto dell’Università inclusiva’ focuses on the condition of young people who have been granted international protection that intend to continue their studies and research in the host country, and arises from the knowledge that the cultural, technical and intellectual experiences gained by the refugees in various parts of the world can be a valuable asset for Italy. There are two recurring themes in the testimony of the students who have completed or are completing their studies: the assertion that ‘the right to study is the right to dream’ and the desire not to be merely the recipient of help from the Italians but to give their own contribution to the development of the country which has hosted them, as soon as possible.
The presentation seminar, which was attended by Professor Enza Pellecchia and Professor Marcello Di Filippo representing the University of Pisa, was also an ideal opportunity in which to share experiences and good procedures that the Italian universities had developed from hosting student refugees. Professor Di Filippo illustrated the University of Pisa’s projects, highlighting the importance of the technical and humanitarian contribution offered by the staff of the International Office and the successful cooperation between the Administrative offices, the departments, the Observatory on European Migration law and CISP. The intervention also dwelled on the consideration of various elements to consolidate and improve the activities, which stimulated a constructive debate. Among these the connection with the welcome centres run by the SPRAR, confirmation and development of the Bando CRUI/Ministero dell’Interno/Andusi per titolari di protezione, university corridors, and synergy with the medical area to support trauma victims.
In the coming months, the Manifesto will be presented in Pisa during an event organized in collaboration with the UN High Commission for Refugees and the Italian University for Peace Network.