General Situation
Eviction of the camp close to the train station
At the end of September, the authorities evicted the makeshift camp in the park close to Como San Giovanni train station, where many refugees had been sleeping and gathering. Afterwards, the people were brought to an official Red Cross/Caritas container camp close to the train station, many against their will but with no other choice. There is also a permanent police presence in the park and around the train station, where the refugees are prevented from sleeping or gathering. Therefore, many people no longer stay in Como, but in and around Milano and just travel to Como when they try to enter Switzerland.
The Caritas camp
Around 250 people are estimated to be staying in the camp at the moment. In order to be able to stay in the camp, refugees have to register as an asylum seeker and identify themselves at the local Questura. The entrance of the camp is guarded by local police. No independent observers or journalists are permitted to enter the camp.
