61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

On 31 March, the 61st ordinary session of the United Nations Human Rights Council concluded, taking place within a challenging and particularly complex geopolitical context.
Italy demonstrated strong interest and active participation in the dialogues and discussions on the most significant issues of the Council’s 61st session, which included the conflict in the Middle East, the call for an urgent debate on Iran’s military aggression against Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait on 28 February 2026, the conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar, the enhanced dialogue on Afghanistan and the rights of children and people with disabilities.

Italy played an active role in the session through its contributions and by reaffirming its commitment to the political participation of people with disabilities, the defence of cultural rights and food security. 

Italy’s interests and priorities at the Human Rights Council

At the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, Italy demonstrated its commitment to and interest in the key issues addressed, including an enhanced interactive dialogue on Afghanistan, a statement on torture and other inhuman or degrading treatment, the Russian aggression in Ukraine, freedom of religion and belief, the rights of persons with disabilities, food security, the rights of children in armed conflict and cultural rights. 

During the "Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan" and the human rights situation there, Luigi Maria Vignali, Italy’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, commented on the reports on Afghanistan presented by the Special Rapporteur and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Ambassador Vignali expressed deep concern at the systematic and persistent deterioration of fundamental rights, particularly those of women and girls who are victims of gender-based persecution and marginalisation. Ambassador Vignali also highlighted the serious effects of the health crisis that is currently affecting Afghanistan and expressed concern about the new criminal procedure regulations, which exacerbate discrimination and violence against women and marginalised groups, creating a distinction between free people and enslaved people. The Permanent Representative emphasised that these provisions violate international human rights law, specifically Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which prohibits all forms of slavery. In this regard, Italy aligned itself with the position expressed by the European Union, calling for a coordinated international effort and access to monitoring mechanisms. 

The Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations in Geneva also intervened in the matter of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, emphasising the importance of analysing these phenomena within the broader context of discrimination, marginalisation and abuse, by addressing their underlying causes and prioritising prevention and redress for victims.

During the session, Italy actively participated in the interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, reaffirming its support for Resolution 61/29 on Ukraine. On the subject of human rights, Italy called for justice for the victims of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and reiterated the urgency of establishing accountability for the international crimes committed. Furthermore, the Italian Government reaffirmed its full support for Ukraine and its people, emphasising that peace must be based on respect for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

Another issue on which Italy intervened during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is freedom of religion and belief. Italy condemned the ongoing outbreaks of violence targeting religious minorities, emphasising that greater protection of freedom of religion and belief would reduce the risk of extremism and discrimination and promote peaceful coexistence. In this regard, it reaffirmed its commitment to promoting religious freedom globally and to providing effective support to victims of discrimination or persecution based on religion or belief.

Moreover, Italy reaffirmed its commitment to the political participation of people with disabilities. Ensuring the full and equal representation of people with disabilities in political life must be a priority with a view to breaking down the barriers that limit their autonomy and the effective exercise of democratic participation. 

The Minister for Disability Issues, Alessandra Locatelli, took part in the high-level segment with a statement on issues relating to the inclusion and protection of vulnerable people and those with disabilities. 

Among the most pressing priorities that emerged during the session is the prevention and protection of children’s rights in armed conflicts. Italy took part in the debate on prevention, protection, reintegration and redress, and formally endorsed Resolution 61/21, ‘Rights of the child: realising the rights of children affected by armed conflict’, emphasising the need to adopt appropriate ethical standards and international legal frameworks.

The issue of food security also arose during the session. 

Italy spoke on the right to food and emphasised that food security is of fundamental importance on Italy’s international agenda, which includes the objective of supporting food systems capable of providing safe, nutritious and accessible food for all, with a view to eradicating hunger and poverty. 

In addition to the right to food, Italy also expressed its position on cultural rights. In support of these rights, Italy’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Luigi Maria Vignali, emphasised that the protection of biodiversity is linked to the protection of cultural diversity. Towards this end, Italy is committed to protecting and safeguarding cultural and natural heritage and to upholding the cultural rights of people with disabilities.

Key interests guiding Italy's commitment

During the session, a number of strategic interests emerged, including the consolidation of European influence and the promotion of interregional relations.
Italy contributes to the EU’s external projection and strengthens its credibility as a promoter of human rights by working in close coordination with the EU whilst maintaining an independent stance on these issues. Furthermore, by co-sponsoring resolutions with geographically and politically diversified States, Italy expands its diplomatic network.

Challenges

Despite Italy’s diplomatic commitment, a number of critical issues and tensions continue to emerge.  

The first critical issue concerns the growing polarisation of the Council, which reduces the scope for consensus-based strategies. This was also evident in the debate on Iranian aggression, which was strongly contested by certain regional groups, highlighting geopolitical divisions that also complicate the mediation role Italy aims to fulfil. 

Another persisting challenge is the consistency between external commitments and internal practices: the gap between Italy’s international rhetoric and its domestic policies regarding the management of migration flows and the protection of the social and economic rights of vulnerable people is particularly marked, and such discrepancies could undermine the credibility of Italy’s actions within the UN.

Final reflections and outlook

Through its participation in the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Italy reaffirmed its commitment to the universality and protection of human rights, translating this into formal engagement on specific priorities, such as the rights of children and people with disabilities, freedom of religion and belief, and accountability for war crimes. 

However, the session also highlighted structural tensions and critical issues characterising the current geopolitical context, marked by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, Iranian attacks in the Persian Gulf states and multiple humanitarian crises.

The Italian Government’s engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council demonstrates the importance of combining diplomatic dialogue with coalition-building and of strengthening its position on the international stage, whilst at the same time investing in its domestic practices.