UN General Assembly
2013

to launch our war against unemployment. Italy deems it important to focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a true driver for employment. Such enterprises are well placed to create jobs for young people and contribute to social stability. In Europe, 85 per cent of new jobs in the private sector are created by SMEs. In the employment sector, great attention must also be given to people with disabilities. Hundreds of millions of people around the world become immigrants in a phenomenon that affects both developed nations and countries of origin. Italy’s geographic location makes it a port of entry for thousands of immigrants. At the national level, we respect the fundamental human rights of immigrants and prosecute criminals who engage in human trafficking. At the same time, we have fostered international cooperation with the countries of origin and of transit. On this crucial subject, I wish to quote Pope Francis, who decided to visit the small island of Lampedusa this summer. He brought a message of support for the thousands of immigrants who arrive there from Africa