The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, took the floor today during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, in the framework of the 54th session of the Human Rights Council.
“As improved standards of living and decreased birth rates lead to a steady demographic change within the European region, Italy attaches increasing importance to the promotion of older persons’ rights”, stated Ambassador Grassi.
The Permanent Representative of Italy then pointed out that “Rome hosted last year the fifth UNECE Ministerial Conference on Aging, aimed at fostering the conditions for longer and healthy working lives, combating ageism and discrimination, and recognizing older persons’ contributions to our societies.”
Ambassador Grassi commended the Independent Expert for recommending all States “to adopt legislation tackling all forms of abuse against older persons”, adding that “Last March, the Italian Parliament approved a new law for the adoption of policies in favour of the elderly, which aims at countering the risks of their isolation and marginalisation. The law also established a dedicated Interministerial Committee tasked with promoting an integrated planning of national policies on aging”.
In conclusion the Permanent Representative reiterated that “Italy remains committed to ensuring the dignity and the enjoyment of the human rights of older persons and to supporting the important mandate of the Independent Expert”.
Read the full statement here.
