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 Sudan, in the framework of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.
“Italy strongly condemns the severe and ongoing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Sudan. We are particularly worried with regard to the allegations of increasing ethnic violence, particularly in the Darfur region, of recruitment and use of children in the hostilities and of conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape” stated the Permanent Representative.
“Italy endeavored to maintain a high level of attention on the Sudanese crisis during its G7 Presidency”, he recalled, adding that “As the ongoing conflict has triggered one of the worst humanitarian crisis and the massive displacement of people, we remain steadfast in our support for Sudan’s civilian population, including in the form of humanitarian and emergency assistance”.
The Ambassador also underlined that Italy “urges all parties to the conflict and their allied militias to comply with international humanitarian law, protecting civilians and facilitating rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to the country”. He also called “on the warring parties to cooperate with the Joint-Fact Finding Mission of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights as well as with the UN Fact Finding Mission on Sudan”.
In conclusion, he asked the High Commissioner to reflect about “how the international community can support the resumption of negotiations for a lasting ceasefire, while ensuring the centrality of human rights in this process”.
Read the full statement.
