(ANSA) - ROME, 30 GEN - "In 2020, over 4,000 migrants and refugees reached the north-east Italian border after traveling along the Balkan route. It is a key route for Italy, as at least a quarter of all migrants and refugees who arrive in the country come from the Balkans. Among them are many Afghans, Iraqis, and Syrians, fleeing violence and persecution and subsequently obtain protection in Italy. Moreover, there is an increasing number of unaccompanied minors," said IOM and UNHCR in a joint statement, explaining that the situation on the north-east border has been the focus in recent days of a meeting in Trieste. Chiara Cardoletti, a representative for Italy, the Holy See and San Marino of the UNHCR, UN Refugee Agency, and Laurence Hart, head of the Coordination Office for the Mediterranean Sea of the International Organization for Migration, took part in the mission.

During the visit, the two organizations' representatives - the statement reads - met with government and city authorities and representatives of civil society and discussed the situation on the border with Slovenia and the reception and assistance plans for migrants and refugees. "The flows of migrants and refugees along the Balkan route are likely to continue in 2021. We need to act immediately, activating all the assistance and information services required by law in Italy", underlined Chiara Cardoletti. UNHCR and IOM announce that "they will continue to monitor the situation at Italy's borders closely." (ANSA).