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 Sudan, in the framework of the 54th session of the Human Rights Council.
“Italy is deeply concerned about the uninterrupted deterioration of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Sudan following the outbreak of hostilities on 15 April, which have already caused thousands of casualties and injured”, stated the Permanent Representative. He added that “Italy keeps following the developments with close attention and is appalled by the reports of sexual and gender-based violence, targeted killings and ethnically motivated attack” as well as that “the persisting increase of internally displaced persons in Sudan and refugees in neighbouring countries remains also of great concern”.
“Italy reiterates the call on all actors involved to immediately end the armed confrontations, protect civilians and refrain from attacks on civilian infrastructures, including medical and education facilities, as well as to put in place all necessary measures in order to allow rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the people in need of assistance”, Ambassador Grassi stated further, while also underlining the urgent need of a negotiated solution and that “Italy commends and encourages further mediations efforts – including by the UN, the African Union and other international and regional actors – to achieve a durable ceasefire and resume an inclusive political dialogue with a view at establishing a transitional civilian government”.
In conclusion the Permanent Representative affirmed that “Italy renews its solidarity with the people of Sudan, whose aspirations for a peaceful and democratic future deserve the full support of the international community”.
Read the full statement here.
