Statement 82 - Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Geneva, Switzerland

Address: Chemin des Fins 2, Case Postale 102, 1211 Geneva 19 - Telephone: 022 799 9100 - Fax: 022 799 9178

Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review Working Group

Statement on Italy

by Ms Robyn Hodgkin

9 February 2010

Australia welcomes the delegation from Italy and appreciates its engagement in the Universal Periodic Review Process.

We commend Italy on its thorough Universal Periodic Review National Report which underscores Italy’s strong commitment to human rights.

Australia welcomes positive measures taken by the Government for the promotion of equal treatment and the fight against all forms of discrimination. In particular, Australia welcomes the establishment of Italy’s National Office against Racial Discrimination (UNAR). We invite Italy to share further information about UNAR’s activities, including any national improvements to equal treatment which can be attributed to UNAR’s work.

Australia commends Italy’s efforts to protect children both domestically and abroad. On the domestic front, we welcome the establishment of Italy’s Committee for the Protection of Foreign Minors. While in the overseas context, we join the Committee on the Rights of the Child in welcoming Italy’s international efforts aimed at preventing the involvement of children in armed conflict and assisting recovery of child victims of armed conflict.

Australia welcomes the several measures adopted by the Italian Government to provide economic and social support for the integration of Roma and Sinti communities, while we share the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ concerns over ongoing reports of discrimination and degrading treatment affecting these populations.

Australia recommends Italy:

1. Investigate all alternatives to forced evictions of Roma and Sinti people, including through consultation with those directly effected.; and

2. Strengthen efforts to integrate Roma and Sinti communities through positive action in the areas of education, employment, housing and social services.