During the meeting between the chief of staff of the navy, team admiral Giuseppe De Giorgi, and the UNHCR delegate for southern Europe, Laurens Jolles, which took place on 4 April '14, the foundations were laid for the launch of "open agenda" meetings between UNHCR staff, the highest body for the protection of the rights of refugees, and operational personnel of the navy, actively involved in the direct and concrete rescue of migrants, especially since the start of the operation Mare Nostrum.
The navy has participated with a representation of the crews of the ships, including some commanders, belonging to the patrolling forces of the Augusta navy, engaged in the Mare Nostrum operation and "experts" in the field of national and international law.
The team of trainers - composed of the "Senior Protection Associate" (Dr. Helene Behr, Dr. Maurizio Solina and Dr. Laura Cantarini) - opened the debate to broad-ranging discussion topics such as: arrivals by sea characterized by mixed migratory flows, international refugee law, asylum procedure in Italy, the European asylum system, the complexity of rescue at sea, the specificity of the application of international law at sea and in relief actions.
The implemented methodology was participatory, that is based on group discussions and case studies to facilitate the meeting and mutual exchange between personnel of the high commission for refugees and operational personnel of the navy.
Each participant was able to share their impressions, experiences and doubts.
Source: Military Navy
