The Head of the human rights section of the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Counsellor Daniele Borrelli, took the floor today during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Victor Madrigal-Borloz, in the framework of the 50th session of the Human Rights Council.
Counsellor Borrelli reaffirmed Italy’s strong commitment to fight against all forms of discrimination, especially multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, also based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and to prevent all forms of violence against LGBTIQ+ persons.
He furthermore underlined that the full enjoyment of human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons, including their right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, is a core priority of Italy’s external action, also within the United Nations and the Council of Europe.
As it was highlighted in the national statement, since December 2020 dedicated centres to prevent and fight against discrimination based on SOGI have been established throughout Italy to provide social assistance, legal support, adequate health and psychological care to victims. Last November the first Special Envoy of Italy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ persons was appointed, whose mandate includes promoting the decriminalization of same-sex relationships at the international level.
With regard to the Independent Expert’s report, Counsellor Borrelli underlined that the fight against discrimination and violence based on SOGI is of the essence for the effective realization of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It was also emphasized the fundamental contribution of civil society organizations and human rights defenders to reach this goal.
Italy finally welcomed the work of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and, as part of the Group of Friends of the SOGI mandate, confirmed its support for the renewal of his mandate.
Read the full statement here.
