Erica de Stales

Legal Advisor @Caritas

Udine, IT

As a member of the legal team I undertake protection work in relation to asylum seekers, recognised refugees and victims of trafficking at the local office of CARITAS in Udine. I advise migrants and asylum-seekers arriving via the Balkan route as well as war refugees from Ukraine. My work encompasses all activities sustaining respect of fundamental rights and restoration of dignified life conditions. In particular, I prepare asylum-seekers for personal interviews with Italian authorities and help elucidating reasons for flight, clarify appeal proceedings following a negative decision or a transfer order pursuant to the Dublin Regulation, assist in seeking legal advice and representation, participate in the identification of victims of trafficking or grave exploitation, assist with bureaucratic hurdles and facilitate access to specialised support. Key responsibilites- Facilitate the transfer of legal knowledge vis-à-vis disadvantaged social groups in Italy, with a particular focus on refugees, migrants and victims of human trafficking- Clarify juridical and procedural aspects pertaining to Italian immigration policies- Support awareness about juridical positions, rights, duties, risks and opportunities, also in relation to work and employment- Facilitating processes as well as contacts with authorities, whilst nurturing beneficiaries\' autonomy and agencyKey achievements- Assess juridical positions of foreign nationals at risk of falling into irregularity and provide effective guidance towards regularisation- Undertake actions to reduce inequalities so as to promote socio-economic inclusion as well as access to judicial remedies, facilitating access to services flowing from regular presence- Offer protection advice and pragmatic support, with the aim to reduce marginalisation, promote prevention and health, foster constructive relations with local communities- Promote justice, through upholding respect for the law as well as equality of treatment