Statement by India - UPR of Italy (27 October 2014) Statement by India - UPR of Italy (27 October 2014)

Statement by India - UPR of Italy (27 October 2014)

20th SESSION OF UPR WORKING GROUP OF UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

[27 October -7 November 2014]

UPR of Italy - INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE

[27 October 2014]

INTERVENTION BY INDIA

Mr. President,

1. India welcomes the delegation of Italy and thanks the delegation for its presentation and its National Report.

 

2. The report provides an overview of developments in the human rights situation of the country including follow-up action on recommendations in the first review. Italy’s dedication ofconsiderable financial and human resources to human rights is indicative of its serious commitment.

 

3. While the submission of several bills for the establishment of a human rights institution based onParis Principles is noteworthy, we recommend that Italy fully involve civil society and other relevant stakeholders in its expeditious establishment and ensure its functional and financialindependence.

 

4. Concerns have been expressed, including by theUN Committee on Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), at the high prevalence of violence against women and girls and thepersistence of socio-cultural attitudes condoning domestic violence. We recommend that Italy consider adopting specific laws on combating violence against women, both at home and in the work place.

 

5. We commend Italy for having abandoned the “push-back” practice and its efforts in search andrescue activities (SAR) at sea.  We appreciate the fact that the rights of migrants, asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors are among its priorities. At the same time, Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has expressed deep concern at several cases of racist violence involving destruction of property and the killings of a number of migrants. What effective remedies are being provided for the victims?

 

6. The adoption of the 2013 National Action Plan against Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance is a positive development. We welcome the establishment of the task force and various working groups to implement the National Strategy for the inclusion of Roma, Sinti and Travellers Communities 2012–2020. In this regard, we recommend that Italy take measures to ensure that the National Office against Racial discrimination (UNAR) is independentand adequately resourced.

 

I thank you.

*****