Migration: Caritas conference in Nicosia focuses on EU pact on asylum and protection of children

Caritas representatives, social workers, and experts gathered in Nicosia on October 7, 2026, for a three-day conference to discuss migration challenges and asylum seeker needs in the Eastern Mediterranean. Organized by Caritas Italiana and Caritas Cyprus, the meeting brings together approximately 70 participants from 35 Italian diocesan Caritas organizations, as well as representatives from Caritas Internationalis and various European organizations.

The conference, titled "Migration in the Eastern Mediterranean: challenges, responsibilities and European perspectives," focuses on the European Union asylum pact and the protection of migrant children. During the opening, Paolo Valente, deputy director of Caritas Italy, stated that migration policies require safe and legal pathways alongside effective reception and integration systems.

The event includes addresses from Cyprus Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides, Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos, and Italian Ambassador to Cyprus Antonella Cavallari. Caritas Internationalis is also using the meeting to present a new global survey regarding migrant children.