Rome, 08-05-2024. On May 8th, 2024, the Mediterranean Aid Education Centre (MAEC) was officially launched. MAEC builds on the legacy of MOAS Italia, which was dedicated to rescuing people at sea and significantly impacted global discussions on forced migration.
MAEC was established in response to these conversations and as a tangible answer to the concerns raised about providing hospitality to asylum seekers, refugees, and managing mixed migration flows in general.
MAEC is aware of the complexities of integration processes, the cultural tensions and nuances involved, and the political discourse surrounding migration. Often, the most vulnerable, who require a chance to start anew, are scapegoated, and integration discourse is weaponised against those in need of political asylum or sanctuary.
MAEC asserts that through education and awareness, and by truthfully addressing the risks and dangers people face in seeking a life free from violence, human rights abuses, and war, we can foster a realistic two-way integration process. This process embraces discussions on negotiating identities, inclusion, and integration at local, regional, and international levels.
Today, we are witnessing an escalation of violence and wars, including multiple crises that the international community must manage and deescalate through diplomacy. MAEC will operate within these challenging scenarios, addressing the multiple crises pushing more people to migrate from one country or region to another in search of life, freedom, and peace.
We will continue to work with all stakeholders and partners to create safe and legal pathways for migrants, striving for a sustainable future that prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable, the poorest, and the most marginalized.
