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 Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, in the framework of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council.
Amb. Grassi welcomed the focus of the Special Representative’s annual report on the protection of children on the move in times of crisis and recalled that the mandate was established fifteenth years ago, thus highlighting the need for a stronger action. With regard to Italy’s response, he mentioned the introduction of an Information System for Unaccompanied Foreign Minors to collect data about their presence in the country and ensure adequate assistance through locally relevant social services.
Amb. Grassi reaffirmed that child rights are one of Italy’s longstanding priorities. He then remembered that last December, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Italy pledged to promote the meaningful participation of children and adolescents in decision-making processes for all matters of their concern, through the implementation of national strategies and guidelines, as well as the development of a new action plan to facilitate their involvement at all levels, within families, communities and schools.
The Permanent Representative of Italy finally stated that data relating to violence against children are alarming, with an estimated 333 million children globally – 1 in 6 – live in extreme poverty, subjected to increased risk of exploitation and abuse, and called on all States to keep the promise made in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end all forms of violence against children.
Read the full statement here.
