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 the Russian Federation, in the framework of the 57th session of the Human Rights Council.
“It is with deep concern that we observe the severe repression of fundamental freedoms in the Russian Federation, particularly since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022” stated the Permanent Representative, stressing that “the clampdown on freedoms of opinion, expression, and peaceful assembly has notably targeted civil society organizations, human rights defenders, independent media, and any dissenting voice” and that “these actions appear aimed at silencing both human rights advocacy and anti-war sentiments, a deeply troubling development for the international community”.
Furthermore, he expressed Italy’s “profound concern over the reports of torture, ill-treatment, and sexual violence perpetrated against Ukrainian prisoners of war”, calling upon the Russian Federation “to promptly put an end to these practices, to ensure full respect of the rights of all persons detained, and to grant the OHCHR and independent monitors unrestricted access to all facilities where prisoners of war and civilian detainees are held”.
The Ambassador also underlined that “In light of these concerning developments, Italy firmly supports the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation” and that “continued scrutiny and engagement are essential in addressing the persistent violations”.
In conclusion, he reiterated Italy’s “commitment to ensuring accountability for human rights violations and to promoting peace and justice”.
Read the full statement.
