Immigrant Voices in Security Debate Highlight Social Integration Challenges
The security conference was nearing its end; there was not even time to open a debate.
Then, suddenly, a young immigrant from Togo (Africa), Teofilo, deputy to Mons. Evelino Dal Bon at the Church of S. Maria della Neve, stood up to speak on the theme of social integration of immigrants.
He was not addressing just anyone, but Hon. Filippo D’Ascerto (An), commissioner of the Padova federation. Alongside him was Maria Ida Germontani, president of the National Equal Opportunities Commission of the same party, and president of the Desenzano City Council, who had previously participated in the debate on the “safe city” promoted by the Office for Public Order and the Security Committee chaired by Matteo Gildone.
Teofilo, with absolute calm, briefly recounts his integration into Italy: “I managed to integrate, but it’s thanks to those who, when I arrived in your country, welcomed me as a son, helped me, and offered their support for my integration.”
“My other brothers,” continued Teofilo, “who do not receive help, end up miserably on the street, stealing, committing crimes.”
What can and should be done about the immigration problem? It would be necessary to help Third World countries abandoned to misery by paying off their debts: instead, — added the young African — colonialism has only exploited them. I would like to remind everyone that it is Italian crime that recruits immigrants for exploitation, not the other way around.”
Words as heavy as stones, though not new: but it was Teofilo’s courage, who sees himself at Mass on Sundays assisting mons. Evelino, that surprised everyone present at the public debate a little.
In his speech, Maria Ida Germontani highlighted the difficulties faced by a Municipality in organizing even a minimal security system, while Hon. D’Ascerto focused on broader political themes.
Earlier, also intervened was Massimo Padovan, the councilor.
“We want,” he said, “our children to go safely to the sports field and our women to stroll on the street without fearing mugging.
As a Municipality, we are investing heavily in security. ‘The municipal police will be strengthened, an association among the Municipalities of Padenghe, Pozzolengo, and Sirmione on security issues has been formed, a radio communication system will be activated in local reference offices, then we will implement a single telephone number for citizens, and increase the installation of closed-circuit cameras along pedestrian pathways near banks, offices, and parking lots,’” he continued.
The plan was drafted by the Commander of the Urban Police, Lt. Carlo Caromani.