The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, took the floor today during the Annual Debate on Rights of Person with Disabilities, in the framework of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.
“Italy considers the full realization of non-discrimination, accessibility, effective participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities paramount. As highlighted by OHCHR, digital and assistive technologies can be powerful enablers of inclusion. Ensuring their availability, affordability, accessibility and safety is essential. We must foster human-centered policies promoting equitable access to technology, enhancing independence, greater participation and improved quality of life for persons with disabilities” stated the Permanent Representative.
“Italy reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities”, he affirmed further, adding that “This commitment is reflected in the recent comprehensive reform of the national legal framework for disability, through the organization of the first ever G7 Ministerial on Inclusion and Disability in October 2024 and by an exhibition at the Palais des Nations at the beginning of this session”.
The Ambassador also confirmed Italy’s determination to “counter direct and indirect discrimination and facilitate meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life”.
In conclusion, he underlined that “protection policies should also remain an absolute priority in humanitarian action”, recalling “Italy’s open pledge, made at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and open to endorsement from other stakeholders, to enhance the protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities during armed conflicts and disasters”.
Read the full statement here.
