The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Amb. Vincenzo Grassi, took the floor today in the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Gerard Quinn, in the framework of the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council.
Italy reaffirmed its strong support for the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, also as a member of the Group of Friends of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). In this regard, it was highlighted the importance of their autonomy, participation and inclusion, especially for any recovery effort from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Italy explained also that its welfare system is currently being reformed by adopting a new philosophy to govern the design and delivery of support to persons with disabilities, in line with the recommendations outlined in the Special Rapporteur’s report. “Persons with disabilities must be put at the centre, with their potential, aspirations and projects”, the Permanent Representative of Italy stated.
It was further recalled that in December 2021 the Italian Parliament unanimously adopted a new legislative framework on disability, which was developed in consultation with the associations of persons with disabilities and their families, and has been integrated within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Italy therefore confirmed its ongoing commitment to the full realization of the principles of non-discrimination, accessibility, as well as effective participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Read the full statement here.
