Human Rights Council: Italy’s Cornado expresses deep concern for humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine

GENEVA, MAY 12 – Addressing a Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the deteriorating human rights situation in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression, the Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado, took the floor today to express Italy’s “deep concern for the further deterioration of the human rights situation in Ukraine, the increasing number of civilian casualties and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe caused by the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the Russian Federation against a sovereign country”.

Ambassador Cornado recalled the horrific developments and the unbearable human suffering recently documented by the OHCHR and other international organizations throughout Ukraine and stressed that “the continued large-scale targeting of civilian infrastructures, including medical and education facilities, is unacceptable “. He also added that Italy is “particularly concerned by the situation of women and girls, children, persons with disabilities and all other persons in vulnerable situations, as well as by the allegations of sexual and gender based violence”.

Furthermore, Ambassador Cornado underlined that these atrocities and violations of international law must stop immediately and those responsible must be brought to justice and therefore renewed Italy’s strong support “for all efforts aimed at ensuring full accountability, including by the Commission of Inquiry, the OSCE Moscow Mechanism as well as the International Criminal Court”. He also underscored that Italy is “extremely worried about the global economic challenges and negative impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including on food security, in particular in the least developed countries”.

“Italy renews once again its call on Russia to fully comply with its obligations under international law, immediately cease all military actions and ensure safe corridors to evacuate the civilian population”, concluded Ambassador Cornado, reaffirming Italy’s full solidarity and support for Ukraine and its people. (@OnuItalia)