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 with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, in the framework of the 54th session of the Human Rights Council.
“After more than two years since the events of August 2021, Italy continues to pay special attention to the situation in Afghanistan and believes that it is still essential to maintain a close international cooperation in addressing the challenges arising from the Afghan crisis”, stated the Permanent Representative. He added that Italy “is deeply concerned about the further deterioration of the situation of human rights, with particular regard to the systematic oppression of women and girls and the condition of millions of children deprived of basic rights and essential services”, renewing the call on the de facto authorities “to lift the unacceptable restrictions imposed on the rights and freedoms of women and girls and restore civic space, allowing NGOs and journalists to operate freely”.
“We are also alarmed about the dire humanitarian situation, exacerbated by the ban on Afghan women working for NGOs and the UN, which requires the constant commitment of the International Community in terms of assistance”, Ambassador Grassi stated further, while also underlining that “the activities of terrorist groups, the illicit trafficking and the Country’s economic situation are also of great concern, including for the possible negative consequences for the entire region”.
In conclusion the Permanent Representative affirmed that “Italy remains worried about the lack of inclusivity in the de facto Government that remains an obstacle to national reconciliation and stability, due to the exclusion of ethnic minorities”.
Read the full statement here.
