EDI, care and social justice: welcoming refugees and students at risk at the University of Padua
Chapter
Author(s) / editor(s):
Elisa Gamba
Year: 2025
Abstract:
Higher education institutions have a profound moral and social responsibility to support individuals fleeing hardship, persecution, and environmental crises in pursuit of a better life (Rundell, Sheety and Negrea 2018; Piazza and Rizzari 2019; Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia, Nell-Müller, and Happ 2021; Berg 2023; De Maria, De Vincenzi and Ferrara 2023). Recent UNHCR data reports that in 2023 more than 120 million people worldwide are refugees - individuals who often seek refuge in Global South countries, but also embark on dangerous and sometimes fatal journeys to reach the Global North. The majority of these displaced individuals are under 60 years old (UNHCR 2024). However, young refugees face significant obstacles when trying to access education in host countries, especially in higher education (Ager and Strang 2008; Lambrechts 2020; Sontag 2021; Kalocsányiová, Bîlici, Jenkins, Obojska and Carignani 2022). While the global university enrollment rate for young adults (aged 18–24) is 42%, it drastically falls to only 7% for refugees. UNHCR has been working to increase this number to 15% by 2030, a notable rise from just 1% in 2019. In this global effort, universities play a crucial role by providing scholarships and support initiatives. Notably, the University of Padua stands out for its commitment to inclusive policies that address gender and language disparities and remove barriers to education; it actively fosters the participation of students with disabilities or those in vulnerable situations. Since its founding in 1222, the University has welcomed exiles and persecuted individuals. Today, its dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion is reflected in various initiatives across its 32 departments, serving over 70,000 students. This paper will explore the University of Padua's initiatives supporting refugees and at-risk students, highlighting the critical role of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in advancing social justice within higher education.
https://doi.org/10.25430/pupb-2025-9788869384820
Post created by: Elisa Gamba