Accoglienza dei rifugiati e rispetto dei diritti

The paper investigates whether Italy ensures respect for human rights and observance of the fundamental freedoms within the receiving system for asylum seekers. We asked asylum seekers as well as those whose asylum claims have been unsuccessful which crucial elements should be fulfilled to meet their expectations about protection and integration. After a review of their whole journey and the reasons to head towards Italy, we describe their living conditions in some reception centres after their arrival. Our study is based on interviews and unofficial conversations with migrants hosted at CARA (Centri di Accoglienza per Richiedenti Asilo – Reception Centre for Asylum Seekers) in southern Italy (Crotone) and near Rome (Castelnuovo di Porto) and on focus groups with social workers active in those centres.