NEW YORK, OCTOBER 13 – Addressing an interactive dialogue with the UN Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, the Italian Ambassador to the United Nations, Maurizio Massari, welcomed the Human Rights Council Resolution on Afghanistan strongly advocated by the Italian Delegation. Establishing the mandate of a Special Rapporteur to monitor human rights in Afghanstan the Resolution was adopted on October 7 during the 48th session of the Council.
Massari spoke in front of the Third Commission of the General Assembly. He said that Italy will work hard to keep the international community’s attention on the issue of human rights and freedoms.
Italy worked hard to achieve the adoption of the EU sponsored Resolution. The outcome – 28 votes in favor, 5 against and 14 abstentions – was not a foregone conclusion. Since then, the issue of human rights in Afghanistan has been raised at the highest level during the G20 summit convened yesterday by the Italian presidency of the Group.
The mandate of the Rapporteur is a first important result, even if it does not solve the problems of Afghanistan after the country fell under the rule of the Taliban. It is however a crucial signal that the international community is paying close attention to the situation of Afghan women, men and children and is demanding respect for their fundamental rights. (@OnuItalia)