Introduction

The Human Rights Council (HRC) is the United Nations’ principal intergovernmental body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. Since its establishment in 2006, the Council has provided a permanent forum for dialogue, monitoring and cooperation among States, United Nations bodies and civil society. Through mechanisms such as interactive dialogues, panel discussions and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the HRC addresses both persistent human rights violations and emerging global challenges within a multilateral framework.

The fifty-ninth session of the Human Rights Council (HRC59), held in Geneva from 16 June to 8 July 2025, took place in a context marked by ongoing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and increasing pressure on the international human rights system. Situations such as Afghanistan, Myanmar and Ukraine remained prominent on the Council’s agenda, while thematic discussions addressed issues including women’s rights, climate change, civic space and the human rights implications of digital technologies. The session was also shaped by procedural constraints linked to financial limitations, resulting in shortened speaking times and compressed formats for debates and interactive dialogues.

Within this institutional and political context, Italy participated actively throughout HRC59. Through interventions in interactive dialogues, panel discussions and thematic debates under multiple agenda items, the Italian delegation engaged with both country-specific situations and cross-cutting human rights issues. Italy’s participation was characterized by a combination of national interventions and alignment with European Union positions, reflecting its dual role as an individual State actor and as part of coordinated European diplomacy. Examining Italy’s engagement during HRC59 offers insight into how a European middle power operates within the procedural boundaries of the Council while maintaining a consistent presence in multilateral human rights processes.

Italy’s diplomatic role during the 59th HRC session

During the fifty-ninth session of the Human Rights Council, Italy engaged regularly across a wide range of agenda items and interactive formats. Its diplomatic role was primarily exercised through participation in interactive dialogues, panel discussions and thematic debates, reflecting an approach grounded in multilateral cooperation and institutional continuity. Italy intervened both independently and within collective European Union frameworks, illustrating its positioning within coordinated EU human rights diplomacy while retaining national representation.

Italy’s participation was particularly visible in interactive dialogues addressing country situations of concern. The Italian delegation intervened as an observer State during the enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, alongside other European and non-European States. This participation situated Italy within multilateral exchanges addressing accountability, protection of civilians and the role of international monitoring mechanisms. Italy’s engagement followed the procedural and political parameters of the Council, emphasizing participation rather than leadership in agenda-setting.

In addition to country-specific dialogues, Italy contributed to several thematic discussions held during HRC59. The Italian delegation participated in panel discussions on the human rights of women, including debates on gender-based violence in conflict and humanitarian settings and on women’s leadership in peace processes. Italy was also listed among the States intervening in discussions related to climate change and human rights, as well as interactive dialogues with Special Procedure mandate holders addressing freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Overall, Italy’s diplomatic role during HRC59 was characterized by consistent participation rather than high-profile leadership. By engaging across multiple agenda items and formats, Italy positioned itself as a cooperative and reliable participant within the Council’s institutional framework, contributing to the continuity of its work while reinforcing its presence in the UN human rights system.

Italy’s thematic priorities at HRC59

Italy’s engagement during HRC59 reflects a set of thematic priorities closely aligned with the structure and substance of the Council’s agenda. Rather than concentrating on a single issue area, Italy intervened across multiple thematic discussions, demonstrating broad engagement with the Council’s core human rights mandates.

One of the most visible areas of Italy’s participation concerned the promotion and protection of women’s rights. Italy took part in the annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women, which addressed gender-based violence in conflict and humanitarian settings and examined barriers to women’s leadership in peace processes. These discussions were accompanied by the adoption of several resolutions on women’s rights, reflecting the centrality of this theme during HRC59.

Italy also engaged with country situations requiring sustained international attention. During the enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Italy participated alongside other observer States in discussions addressing severe human rights concerns, including the situation of women and girls and access to education. While Afghanistan received particular attention, the Council also addressed other country situations during the session, including Myanmar, Ukraine and Palestine, situating Italy’s engagement within a broader set of international human rights crises.

In addition, Italy participated in thematic dialogues with Special Procedure mandate holders addressing civil and political rights, including freedom of opinion and expression and the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Italy was further listed among the States intervening in discussions on climate change and human rights, which examined the adverse impacts of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights and the need for just transitions. Several of these discussions resulted in the adoption of thematic resolutions, reinforcing the normative dimension of the Council’s work during HRC59.

Italy’s forward-looking and normative engagement

Beyond responding to country situations and established thematic debates, Italy’s participation during HRC59 also extended to forward-looking and normative dimensions of the Council’s work. This engagement did not take the form of agenda-setting leadership, but reflected Italy’s involvement in discussions addressing evolving global challenges.

Italy participated in the panel discussion commemorating the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, which focused on overcoming barriers to women’s leadership in peace processes. This discussion highlighted structural obstacles limiting women’s participation in decision-making and conflict resolution. Italy’s engagement aligned with broader Council efforts to link gender equality with inclusive governance and sustainable peace.

Italy also contributed to debates on the human rights implications of climate change. During the panel discussion on the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights, States examined transitions and the responsibilities of governments in ensuring that environmental policies do not exacerbate inequalities. Italy’s participation situates it within discussions increasingly connecting environmental governance and human rights protection.

In addition, Italy engaged in interactive dialogues with Special Procedure mandate holders addressing fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly. Through these contributions, Italy supported the ongoing reinforcement of international standards related to civic space and democratic participation within the Council’s normative framework.

Interests behind Italy’s engagement

Italy’s engagement during HRC59 can be understood through a set of underlying interests connected to its position within multilateral diplomacy. A first interest relates to maintaining visibility and credibility within the Human Rights Council. By participating consistently across dialogues and panel discussions, Italy ensured a regular presence throughout the session, reinforcing its profile as an active participant in multilateral human rights processes.

A second interest concerns Italy’s positioning within the European Union framework. Italy frequently appeared among States intervening alongside or within EU-coordinated formats, particularly in thematic discussions and dialogues with Special Procedure mandate holders. This alignment reflects an interest in contributing to a coherent European human rights voice while maintaining national representation.

A third interest relates to Italy’s dual role during HRC59 as both an observer State engaging in debates and a State under review, following the adoption of the outcome of Italy’s Universal Periodic Review during the session. This dual positioning highlights the mutual nature of participation and scrutiny within the Human Rights Council framework.

Challenges and limitations

Italy’s participation during HRC59 was shaped by several institutional and procedural constraints. The session was conducted under exceptional modalities linked to financial limitations, including reduced speaking times and compressed interactive formats. These constraints limited opportunities for extended national interventions and affected the visibility of individual States.

The density of the Council’s agenda also constrained sustained engagement on specific issues. While Italy participated across a broad range of agenda items, the crowded program limited the depth of individual interventions. Italy’s frequent alignment with European Union statements further reinforced coherence but reduced distinct national visibility.

Moreover, Italy’s status as an observer State rather than a Council member shaped the boundaries of its influence. While Italy participated actively in discussions, it did not engage in agenda-setting or formal decision-making, reflecting structural limitations inherent in observer participation.

Conclusion

Italy’s engagement during the fifty-ninth session of the Human Rights Council reflects a pattern of consistent and cooperative participation within the Council’s institutional framework. Through interventions across interactive dialogues, panel discussions and thematic debates, Italy addressed both country-specific situations and cross-cutting human rights issues, reinforcing its commitment to multilateral human rights processes.

At the same time, Italy’s role was shaped by procedural constraints, a dense agenda and its alignment with European Union positions. As an observer State and as a State subject to review, Italy’s influence remained primarily discursive rather than decisional. Taken together, Italy’s participation during HRC59 illustrates how sustained engagement and cooperative diplomacy contribute to the functioning and legitimacy of the Human Rights Council as a forum for dialogue, monitoring and normative development.