What about the Refugees?

People often ask about the refugees passing through Sicily.  Yes, indeed, tens of thousands have landed in Sicily, with numbers peaking in 2014, dropping for a while in 2015, as more traffic shifted to Greece, then again numbers again increasing 2106. It has been beautiful to see how individuals and private organizations have responded to the plight of these desperate people.  The UNHCR as well is to be applauded.  And supported. 

In the last few years (through 2019), the refugee flow has dropped to a trickle as Italian politics shifted to the right, tougher polities were enacted, and deals were struck with Libyans to keep them from trying to cross. What does this have to do with you, the visitor?  Nothing, unless you want to help. Refugees are rescued from their leaky boats, documented and housed, quietly, such as a visitor would hardly notice.  Most of them move quickly through Italy, hoping for residence in northern Europe.  

In the course of your tour with us, we will, of course, will talk about this situation as an aspect of modern Sicily from our perspective as Sicily residents; we might recognize who on the street might or might not be a refugee.  You could get closer to it if you want; you might be lucky enough to speak with a refugee met on the street. Many speak English; all have personal and often harrowing stories to tell.