The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, took the floor today during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on High Commissioner’s report on the Sudan, in the framework of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council.
Ambassador Grassi expressed Italy’s concern at the reports of gross violations and abuses of international human rights law as well as serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Sudan by all parties in the context of the conflict.
“We are appalled by the number of killings and by the widespread incidents of sexual and gender-based violence. The increased risk of recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups is alarming”, Ambassador Grassi stated, highlighting the necessity for accountability for all violations and abuses.
He further recalled that Sudan is facing one of the world’s largest displacement and protection crises, and reiterated Italy’s call for the immediate cessation of hostilities. Italy also urged all parties to protect civilians, to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance, and to halt any attack against civilian infrastructures, especially medical and education facilities.
Further mediations efforts were finally encouraged, including by the UN, the African Union and other international and regional actors, along with the resumption of an inclusive political dialogue with a view at restoring a civilian-led government.
Read the full statement.
