250 individuals, sometimes more, sometimes fewer, have been waiting at the station since the beginning of the summer. They stay there between one and several weeks.

“They” are men, women and children, the majority of whom are Eritreans or Sudanese.

The Italian Red Cross came to their aid as soon as they arrived. And as soon as the camp at the Ventimiglia train station was set up, the Monaco Red Cross lost no time in contacting its Italian counterpart in order to support its action.  It has already provided medical equipment and more recently cooking equipment. Today, faced with increasing needs and a situation whose outcome is still unknown, volunteers from the Monaco Red Cross have started to do rounds in the Ventimiglia camp in order to support their Italian colleagues and reinforce action in aid of the migrants.

“The most urgent need at the moment: basic hygiene items and blankets”

Autumn is already upon us and people need to keep warm. According to Luca Bracco, Deputy President of the Red Cross Imperia Province : “We have already handed out over 4,500 items of blankets, but we still need more”. Concerned by a situation that is likely to continue, he adds: “The risk is bringing things over which we no longer need, which will lead to major logistics problems”. The most urgent need at the moment is basic items such as shampoo, shower gel, soap, moisturising creme, and blankets or sleeping bags. Caritas Italy is in charge of collecting warm clothes.”

To support the action implemented by the Italian Red Cross for migrants in Ventimiglia, the Monaco Red Cross is appealing to the generosity of the public. Needs are great but specific: blankets, warm and rainproof clothing as well as underwear, closed shoes and socks for men, women and children. Packages will be handed over to the Italian Red Cross on a regular basis by our volunteers who are helping to manage the camp.

You can also make a donation to support the action of the Red Cross in aid of the migrants in Italy through this page, or by regular mail: Croix-Rouge monégasque – 27 bd de Suisse – 98000 MONACO – cheques payable to the “Croix-Rouge monégasque – migrant action Italy”.

An unprecedented humanitarian crisis since World War II

Guided by seven fundamental principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement offers assistance to those who risk their lives to come to Europe. An emergency appeal has been launched by the Red Cross and Red Crescent International Movement to support humanitarian assistance on migratory routes and destination areas in Europe. The Monaco Red Cross has already taken part with an initial contribution of 15,000€ to the Italian Red Cross, to participate to an international emergency action to help 85,000 people over a 10 month period.

– See more at: http://www.croix-rouge.mc/home/actus/migrants/#sthash.UfvLPrpg.dpuf