International Human Rights Day (10 December)

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, which marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani pointed out that the protection and promotion of human rights and the fight against all forms of inequality and discrimination are pillars of Italy's bilateral and multilateral action in the international arena.

"In an international framework characterised by an increase in tensions and conflicts, we are at the forefront in the fight against all forms of violence against women - as also brought up at the Fiuggi-Anagni G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting - in the protection of minors during war and armed conflict, in the international action to eradicate female genital mutilation and early and forced marriages, and in the protection of freedom of religion and belief and of religious minorities in every part of the world," said Tajani.

Moreover, in confirming its constant commitment against the death penalty, Italy has taken on the role of co-facilitator of the biennial resolution on the moratorium on executions this year, leading the complex negotiations in the General Assembly together with Argentina - all at the Minister's instigation.

Finally, Italy is committed to strengthening the role of the multilateral institutions responsible for the protection of human rights, in particular the Human Rights Council in Geneva and the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The action of the Italian Foreign Ministry in this sector is carried out in close contact with civil society and the main NGOs involved in the protection of human rights.