The Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Marie Sol Fulci, took the floor today at the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, Claudia Mahler, in the framework of the 48th session of the Human Rights Council.
“In the belief that a human rights-based approach is the most appropriate and effective framework to challenge ageism and age discrimination, Italy attaches particular importance to the promotion of the rights of older persons”, the Deputy Permanent Representative said, underlining Italy’s commitment to the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, as well as of the 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals, including the ones that are particularly relevant for the rights of older persons.
DPR Fulci also underlined that the pandemic has mainly affected the elderly, highlighting the fragility of their health, forcing them in many cases to isolation and to a risk of marginalization and discrimination. In this regard, Italy welcomed the release by the UN Secretary General of the “Policy Brief on the Impact of COVID-19 on Older Persons” in December 2020 and supported his appeal to promote responses to the pandemic based on the respect of the rights and dignity of older persons.
In reaffirming Italy’s engagement to advance a constructive and comprehensive dialogue on the rights of older persons, DPR Fulci recalled that Italy will host in 2022 the next UNECE Ministerial Conference on Ageing, which will mainstream the prevention and the fight against ageism and age discrimination throughout the discussions.
Read the full statement here.
