The European headquarters of the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation of Europe, which comprises also the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, will be moving from Rome to Florence.
Operating in Rome since 2005, the centre will move its operations to Le Murate, Florence’s former city prison, where it will also establish, in partnership with the City of Florence, the Robert F. Kennedy Europe Training Institute (RFK Institute), a research and educational centre for professionals and managers working in the nonprofit sector.
Starting in 2012, the new RFK Institute will offer specialized courses in human rights, and organize seminars and conferences on human rights education and protection, and sustainable investment.
The Le Murate complex, located between via dell’ Agnolo and via Ghibellina on viale della Giovine Italia, also includes a section of public housing, a recently inaugurated literary café, and a space for contemporary art exhibitions and events.
‘It is appropriate that Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, which first conceived the modern vision of freedom and individualism, becomes the new home of the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation of Europe,’ said president of the RFK Center, Kerry Kennedy, during a recent visit to the city. ‘We are very grateful to mayor Matteo Renzi and superintendent Giuliano da Empoli, and the City of Florence for hosting us in Le Murate, a former prison where we will fight for freedom and the protection of human rights in the world,’ Kennedy added
