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SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY IN ROME: NEWSLETTER

South African Embassy in Rome hosted a Confer-

ence on “Children in Protracted crises: A new

perspective” on 16 June 2017

In Collaboration with the Region of Liguria and the City of Genoa, the South African Embassy in

Rome and the Honorary Consulate of South Africa in Genoa hosted a Conference on “Children

in Protracted Crises: A New Perspective”, in Genoa on 16 June 2017.

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The Conference coincided with the 41 anniversary of the June 16 uprising in Soweto, when, in

1976, students initiated a peaceful protest against a directive enforcing Afrikaans as a medium

of instruction. As a result of police brutality, in the following days, hundreds of people, mostly

students and youth, lost their lives.

Other than paying tribute to the defining role played by South Africa’s youth in the struggle for

freedom and democracy, the aim of the Conference was to highlight the plight of millions of chil-

dren across the globe who are caught in protracted crises and to share South Africa’s experi-

ences in this regard.

The President of the Republic of Italy graciously conferred upon this initiative, the Medal of Rep-

resentation of the Head of State. The Conference also received the Patronage of Italy’s Ministry

of International Relations and Cooperation.

High-profile Speakers at the Conference included:

• South Africa’s Minister of Social Development: Ms Bathabile Dlamini

• The President of UNICEF, Italy: Mr Giacomo Guerrera

• The Deputy Secretary-General of ActionAid, Italy: Mr Luca De Fraia

• The Chairperson of the Cesar Association: Ms Mariangala Rossini

• The National Inspector of the Red Cross, Italy: Sister Monica Dialuce Gambino

• The Chief Marketing Officer of “Rise Against Hunger”: Mr Tom Barbitta

The Conference was moderated by Dr Enrico Davoli, a Global Health Consultant for the World

Health Organisation.

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