04 Aug 2015

UNHCR: first training section on board of ITS Cavour

On July 31 2015 in Augusta UNHCR and EUNAVFOR MED met onboard the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour, flagship of the European task force, under the leading Command of Rear Admiral Andrea Gueglio, to enhance the comprehensive approach in disrupting migrants smugglers and ensuring safety of lives at sea.

The UNHCR Protection Officers, Héléna Behr and Laura Cantarini, led the first training session to the multinational staff and the Italian ship crew operating in the European mission, by outlining the international legal framework and the institutional actions carried out by the UN agency for refugees.

The program was focused on some of the most important definitions about the refugees and asylum-seekers status and the International Protection and non-refoulement principles.

The training session has been considered by all attendees a good opportunity to increase the awareness on this very sensitive issue as well as a fruitful occasion to exchange competence and experiences

The cooperation between UNHCR and EUNAVFOR MED represents an important chance to comprehend the widespread phenomenon of migration flows and to better lead towards a successful achievement of the operational aims.