Since 2015, migration routes through Italy towards France have gradually changed. Today, many migrants climb high up in the Alps to arrive in France, heading west from the Balkan route and north from Italy's south.
Authorities in Ventimiglia, an Italian town in Liguria near the border with France, have announced the upcoming creation of a center of transit for migrants.
In the last few weeks, more and more migrants have been arriving at the Alpine borders between Italy and France. Onward travel for migrants has been hampered by what authorities say are anti-COVID measures. That has led to some volunteer-run refuges closing their doors due to over-capacity. Now pro-migrant volunteers are calling on the state to help to resolve the situation.
Many migrants who attempt to cross the Alps from Italy to France invest time to prepare for the arduous journey through snowy moutain passes. To "avoid tragedy", Italian associations equip them with warm clothing and remind them of the potential dangers.
Many migrants complain that they have not been able to apply for asylum when they cross the border into France. According to them, the French border police (PAF) refuse to take their asylum applications and immediately send them back to neighboring Italy.
24-year-old Paul hails from Cameroon. On the night of February 3, 2021, he made his second attempt to cross the Alps into France from neighbouring Italy with a group of four other people. He tells InfoMigrants his story.
Families from Afghanistan have joined the African and Arab migrants who regularly attempt the alpine crossing from Italy to France. InfoMigrants followed a team of rescue volunteers on February 5 as they patrolled the perilous mountain paths used by asylum seekers.
The Italian organization Doctors for Human Rights (MEDU) has denounced the critical situation of migrants who attempt to reach France from Italy through the Alpine border.
Amnesty International has been conducting a campaign after the conviction of a French mountain guide for “facilitating irregular entry [of migrants]” in the Alps between France and Italy. Following an appeal, Pierre Mumber, the mountain guide was acquitted of the charges on November 21.
Alpine guide, Benoit Ducos, and voluteers, Anne Moutte and Pierre Mumber, have been given this years' Mediterranean Peace Award. It is a recognition of their efforts in helping migrants in the Alps.
There were tensions on the French-Italian border at the weekend, after anti-fascist groups responded on Sunday to a "wall" along the border that had been created by the far-right group, "Generation Identitaire," on Saturday.
Migrants and refugees put themselves through all sorts of extreme situations to find a new place to live. The border region between Italy and France is especially perilous due to high mountain ranges and extreme weather conditions. Activists and local residents try to offer shelter and speak out warnings.