The Italian non-governmental organization Physicians for Human Rights (MEDU) has strongly condemned the harsh working and living conditions faced by foreign workers from Western Sub-Saharan African countries in Gioia Tauro.
According to non-governmental organizations, living conditions for workers remain very poor, despite millions of euros being spent on building suitable accommodation, reports SchengenVisaInfo.com.
MEDU complained of inhumane conditions for the workers, saying they were living in tents and old containers in Rosarno, San Ferdinand and Tauria Nova.
The majority were young men, with an average age of 35, and were primarily from Mali, Gambia, Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast.
Compare the dehumanizing images of life in informal settlements with images of completed, unopened container fields and uninhabited buildings confiscated from the mafia and recently renovated to promote a dignified life. The dramatic situation described in the past years looks even more grotesque and paradoxical today. .
According to MEDU, more than 500,000 has been spent so far on building accommodation for workers in the region. However, the property’s doors remain closed.
MEDU further points out that the EU has allocated 3 million euros for the construction of six buildings and a total of 36 apartments in Rosarno, while the Italian Ministry of Interior has allocated 2 million euros for the “Solidarity Village”.
Yet, despite such large amounts of funding being allocated to the construction of suitable accommodation for workers, the accommodation is never completed and workers are forced to work in extremely poor conditions. , MEDU complained that they continue to live.
In addition, 650,000 euros were invested in the construction of a multifunctional center in Taurianova, but the center was never put into operation.
MEDU further complained about the current working and living conditions of foreign workers in Gioia Tauro, calling the situation a chronic disease that is having a negative impact on the region.
MEDU further stressed that the situation continues to repeat itself “like a season,” adding that these poor living conditions make workers feel like they have endless working days.
MEDU called for an urgent solution to be found, taking into account the local situation.
The non-governmental organization said authorities needed to remove bureaucratic hurdles preventing the opening of accommodation centers as soon as possible.
Similarly, it requires countries to ensure economic and social sustainability for all.