The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, took the floor today during the Interactive dialogue on the annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, in the framework of the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council.
Ambassador Grassi recalled that this year marks the anniversaries of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to responding to the appeal launched by the High Commissioner Turk to“revitalize the promise of human rights, for everyone”. In this regard, he highlighted that Italy has joined the “Human Rights 75” campaign and is engaged in designing its pledges to be announced in the High-Level Event next December, with the aim of reaffirming the principles of universality, interdependence and indivisibility of human rights.
“Upholding human rights is crucial to conflict and crises prevention, peace building and to advance the Sustainable Development Goals”, Amb. Grassi stated, reiterating Italy’s support to the role of the Human Rights Council and the work of the OHCHR. Emphasis was placed on those in the most vulnerable situations, including women and girls, children, religious and ethnic minorities, older persons, persons with disabilities. Italy also confirmed that it will continue to stand up for gender equality, women empowerment and women’s rights and to stress the importance of mobilizing young persons as key agents for change.
Ambassador Grassi finally pointed out the importance of securing social and economic rights, including the rights to work, housing, food, water and sanitation, and recognized that “the full enjoyment of all human rights requires a vibrant civic space to allow all voices to be heard and leave no one behind”.
Read the full statement here.
