Italy in Geneva rehiterates commitment to fight ageism and age-based stereotypes

GENEVA, SEPTEMBER 19 – The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Amb. Gian Lorenzo Cornado, took the floor today during the Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, Claudia Mahler, in the framework of the 51st session of the Human Rights Council.

Ambassador Cornado confirmed Italy’s commitment to combating ageism and the perpetuation of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination based on age in all spheres of society, as well as to preventing any human rights violation against older persons, including those who are deprived of liberty. “We attach the highest importance to the full enjoyment of human rights by older persons and recognize their substantial contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals”, he stated, highlighting the value of their empowerment and their active and meaningful participation in society, in line with the underlying principle of Leaving No One Behind.

The Permanent Representative remembered that last June Italy hosted in Rome the fifth Ministerial Conference on Ageing of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and recalled the “Rome Declaration” which reaffirmed the commitment to fulfil the Regional Implementation Strategy of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.

Read the full statement here. (@OnuItalia)