Thank you, Mr Chair and Mr. President,
Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to thank Mr Lauber for your briefing and for your continued commitment to strengthening the work and effectiveness of the Human Rights Council.
Following our recent election to the Council for the 2026–2028 term, we wish to express sincere gratitude to all Member States that supported our candidature. This renewed trust represents a responsibility that Italy takes on with determination – to work constructively with all delegations in advancing dialogue, inclusiveness, and the effective promotion of human rights.
We are aware that this is a particularly demanding period for the Council, facing a growing workload due to new and ongoing human rights violations, while operating under financial constraints. As a long-standing supporter of the role of the HRC and the OHCHR, Italy’s direct contribution to the Council’s activities will aim at sustaining and enhancing all existing mechanisms, firmly convinced that this Council must continue to serve as a global platform where States can address human rights concerns through dialogue, cooperation, and accountability.
As we prepare to join the Council, we reaffirm Italy’s commitment to its priorities: defending the universality, interdependence, and indivisibility of all rights; promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; upholding the rights of children, persons with disabilities, and older persons; and combating all forms of discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance.
We will also continue to advocate for the universal moratorium on the death penalty, to safeguard freedom of religion or belief, and to ensure that civil society and human rights defenders can work safely and freely.
Mr. President,
Italy values the leadership of the President of the HRC in fostering a more coordinated and efficient UN human rights system. In this regard, we should envisage strengthening synergies between the Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the General Assembly so as to avoid duplication and to ensure that their respective mandates are complementary, consistent, and mutually reinforcing.
