A week has passed since the start of the war waged by Russia against Ukraine. In just 7 days, one million people - according to Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - have left the country, seeking refuge from violence leading to death and destruction. An exodus that is moving at astonishing speed and that is destined to increase in scope in the coming months "unless the conflict ends instantly," Grandi adds, "it is likely that millions more will be forced to flee Ukraine." About 4 million, the UN Refugee Agency (which has activated a data portal on the situation of refugees in Ukraine) estimates that there is a notable response from governments, local communities, in addition to individual realities and parts of civil society. Poland is the first destination, followed by Hungary and the Republic of Moldova. According to the EU budget, 13% of refugees will arrive in Italy. Solidarity action has already been set in motion with welcoming and fundraising initiatives.
The commitment of Cia-Agricoltori. Reception on agriturismo farms for refugees fleeing Ukraine
There are 24,000 agriturismo structures on the Italian territory. Tourist destinations but also places where it's possible to give hospitality to people on the run and try to cope with the humanitarian emergency. Thus Cia-Agricoltori, with its associations Turismo Verde Associazione (dedicated to the enhancement and promotion of rural tourism, agriturismo and related activities) and non-profit organisation of reference ASeS-Agricoltori Solidarietà e Sviluppo which works for development and the growth of communities in the most fragile and poorest rural areas in the world, promotes the inclusion of the weakest segments of the population thanks to social agriculture activities. Together with the Italian Caritas organisation this has activated a network of solidarity responding to the humanitarian appeal and involving the agriturismo farms in Italy: "We are with Europe and ready to do our part" said the Associations who recall that in Italy there is a community counting almost 250,000 Ukrainians who need our support.