EUROPE-MIGRANTS/ITALY Hundreds of migrants blocked at Milan train station as they try to move north

Record ID: 151555

  • Title: EUROPE-MIGRANTS/ITALY Hundreds of migrants blocked at Milan train station as they try to move north
  • Date: 17th June 2015
  • Summary: MILAN, ITALY (JUNE 17, 2015) (REUTERS) VOLUNTEER WORKERS GIVING FOOD TO MIGRANTS AT STATION MIGRANTS ASKING FOR FOOD AND TAKING APPLES AND OTHER FOOD VARIOUS SMALL CHILD SITTING IN BETWEEN BAGS HOLDING SWEETS MIGRANTS AT TRAIN STATION GIRLS WITH VEILED FACES CENTRE FOR CHILDREN POSTERS WRITTEN IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES READING: "CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND" WOMAN GIVING CHILDREN SO
  • Embargoed: 2nd July 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Italy
  • Country: Italy
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA6VSN30EY7A3NLQMYOELI48ST4
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Hundreds of mainly Syrian and Eritrean migrants remained blocked at Milan's central train station on Wednesday (June 17) as they tried to move north in order to cross the border and reach Germany and Austria.
    Some of the Syrian migrants who are well dressed manage to pass the border on trains and leave Italy. But many who do not have the proper documents to leave the country are not allowed on the trains that would take them across the border.
    Local volunteers and members of the local community are trying to organise food and drink for the people, many who have now been at the station for days. A play area has been organised for the children who are given sweets but little hope that their lives will soon improve.
    "I try to help these people, I just want to help that is all, that is what being a volunteer is. We don't ask what colour their skin is," said Rosy, a volunteer as she handed out food.
    Moroccan local resident Bouchra Sefar, who has lived in Italy for twelve years, said as a Muslim she feels constrained to come and help these people who are stuck in limbo with nowhere to go.
    "If I was in their place I would need a hand," she said.
    "If I wasn't Muslim I would still help them, we need to help everyone, as one day I may need help," Sefar said.
    Eritrean migrant Henok Ghirmai arrived in the Sicilian port of Augusta nine days ago after being rescued at sea. He is trying to get to Germany where he says he has family members.
    "I'm afraid but I don't know what is going to happen next , I don't know, please God help," he said.
    Pope Francis on Wednesday (June 17) called for respect for migrants and suggested that "people and institutions" who close doors to them should seek forgiveness from God.
    The pope's appeal, made at the end of his weekly general audience, came amid a growing debate in Europe on how to deal with an immigrant crisis that has included clashes at the French-Italian borer between police and migrants.
    France, Italy and Germany agreed on Tuesday (June 16) to join forces to identify migrants arriving by sea and to swiftly relocate them across the European Union or send them back to their home countries if their claims for asylum in Europe are rejected.
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