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 following the presentation of the first report by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the situation of human rights in Iran, in the framework of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council.
“Italy is deeply concerned about the serious human rights violations reported in the context of the recent protests”, Amb. Grassi stated, mentioning the disproportionate use of force, arbitrary arrests, torture, unlawful killings and repression of victims’ families. Referring to the findings included in the report, he also recalled the pervasive institutional discrimination against women and girls, cases of rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence in places of detention, as well as the impact on ethnic, religious and other minorities.
“Italy condemns in the strongest terms the practice of imposing and carrying out death sentences on protesters”, Amb. Grassi stressed, reiterating Italy’s firm opposition to the use of capital punishment in any circumstance and urging Iran to halt all executions and to pursue a consistent policy towards the abolition of death penalty.
Furthermore, he called on Iran to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and to end all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls. He then pointed out the necessity of full accountability for human rights violations and redress for victims.
Amb. Grassi finally highlighted the importance of the cooperation with mechanisms created by the Human Rights Council, expressing Italy’s support for the mandates of the Fact-Finding Mission and of the Special Rapporteur.
Read the full statement.
