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 with the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement, in the framework of the 57th session of the Human Rights Council.
“At the outset, we would like to express our gratitude to the Mechanism EMLER – United Nations International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement – for its recent visit to Italy. The 8-day mission from 2 to 10 May 2024 was planned and carried out in a collaborative and constructive manner. We would also like to thank the Mechanism for the report, which has been presented in the current HRC session” stated the Permanent Representative, recalling that “the comprehensive mission across Italy allowed the Mechanism to visit Rome, Milan, Catania and Naples, thanks to the support – from the Italian side – of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Human Rights – CIDU, the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-Up (NMIRF)”.
“We welcome the constructive approach of the Mechanism in understanding efforts made by Italy to fight racism and promote racial justice, taking also into account the vision and guiding principles set out in the UN 2030 Agenda, aimed at fostering just and inclusive societies. Moreover, we note with satisfaction that the delegation highlighted in the report its appreciation for the genuine cooperation extended throughout the visit, including the numerous informative meetings with government officials, who generously answered questions and shared presentations, references, reports, and other materials during and after the visit”, the Ambassador stated further.
He added that “The report itself builds on a spirit of cooperation and dialogue” and that “As highlighted in the UN visit press release of May 10th, as well as at paragraph 75 of the report, the delegation acknowledged that “the work of law enforcement is a difficult one”.
The Ambassador recalled also that “As outlined in the report, the Italian system is featured by a complex and multi-level organization, with numerous central and local administrations involved in the definition and implementation of policies, measures and interventions on the field, working together with a view to preventing, countering and prosecuting discriminatory behaviours and acts”.
He underlined that “Over the past few decades, our country has taken steps to strengthen its regulatory framework based on the Italian Constitution” and that “This is a complex process, guided by the need to adapt legislation to reflect changes in the Italian social, political and economic context, while preserving the principles and values at the foundation of our country system, in line with international legal standards”.
The Ambassador stated also that “Italy is facing a number of significant challenges, which we are addressing with renewed commitment and determination”, including “issues related to the management of migration flows and the administration of the justice system and detention institutions, as mentioned in the report”.
Furthermore, he reiterated Italy’s support for the relevant work of the Mechanism, affirming that “We will build on the good practices mentioned by the Mechanism and engage in the implementation of its recommendations, with a view to strengthening our approach to improving justice and racial equality”.
In conclusion, the Permanent Representative underlined that “Italy continues to be strongly committed to the fight against racism, based on the fundamental principles of equality, non-discrimination and respect for human dignity enshrined in its Constitution”.
Read the full statement here.
