Voices of Hope: The Vital Role of Cultural Mediators in Supporting Migrants

Italy/Spain/Ireland, 15 November 2023 – “I see my role as a bridge between two different cultures,” explains Ching Yi, a cultural mediator with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Italy.

Stationed at the Police Immigration Office in Naples, Ching Yi is part of a dedicated team of cultural mediators committed to facilitating the reception of migrants in Italy, extending a guiding hand as they embark on their journey into a new land.

Recent surges in arrivals, notably in Lampedusa over the past months, have once again thrust the island into the spotlight. With a staggering influx of over 11,000 people arriving on the island in just six days, the need for a comprehensive humanitarian and operational approach also including the key role of effective cultural mediation has never been more important.

Since 2018, IOM has partnered with the Italian Ministry of Interior and its Department of State Police, actively engaging in the recruitment, training, and deployment of cultural mediators at various entry points, including maritime, airports, and land borders. Cultural mediators are also working with the Italian Coast Guard on search and rescue boats in the Mediterranean.

To date, up to 280 cultural mediators have brought their unique backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets to assist migrants in navigating the bureaucracy and diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes of their host communities.

The range of services they provide is extensive, encompassing linguistic and cultural mediation at every stage of the process. From support with the registration process upon arrival to tailored assistance for vulnerable cases, these cultural mediators play a pivotal role in helping newcomers find their footing once they arrive.