The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado, took the floor today during the Urgent Debate on situation of the human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, in the framework of the 50th session of the Human Rights Council.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst of all, let me express our deepest sympathy with all those affected by the recent devastating earthquake that struck Afghanistan, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. Italy stands in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan\u201d, Ambassador Cornado stated. Furthermore, he reiterated Italy\u2019s serious concern about the \u201cunacceptable restrictions imposed on the rights and freedoms of women and girls, including the right to education and freedom of movement, and on their full participation in all spheres of public life\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe condemn in the strongest possible terms all human rights violations and abuses committed against women and girls in Afghanistan, including all forms of sexual and gender-based violence and discrimination\u201d, added Ambassador Cornado, renewing Italy\u2019s call on the Taliban \u201cto respect all human rights and fundamental freedoms of all women and girls, including the right to education\u201d.<\/p>\n
He further underlined that the \u201cfull participation and the effective empowerment of all women and girls in all spheres of life, including in decision making processes, is essential for lasting peace and sustainable economic and social development\u201d. In conclusion, Ambassador Cornado confirmed that Italy remains committed to \u201csupport all activities aimed at strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights in Afghanistan, as well as the work of the High Commissioner and her Office and other UN entities\u201d.<\/p>\n