The Embassy of Italy in Malta would like to praise Amnesty International Malta Group for its initiative to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights.
The occasion is of great importance since, 60 years ago, for the first time, a prestigious international organisation promoting peace put the human being at the centre of its activities. On the occasion of the importance of this commemoration, the Embassy has the honour to refer to the following speech made by the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini on the occasion of a ceremony held at the Italian Chamber of Representative last Thursday.
"There can be no doubt that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, approved by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948 and the 60th anniversary is one of the United Nations' major successes. The first multilateral codification of human rights, the Universal Declaration, laid the foundation for the development in later decades of specific international legislation for their promotion and protection. For the first time in history, a universal legislative code provided protection for each and every human being, wherever they might be and without distinction of race, colour, gender, language, religion or opinion, citizenship or social status.
"Italy has always been at the forefront in the promotion of the fundamental human rights, as proved by the action carried out over the last 14 years in favour of the abolition of the death penalty and a moratorium on executions. This action paved the way for the adoption by the General Assembly, in December 2007, of a resolution on a moratorium on capital punishment. 2008 has seen the approval of a specific resolution by the competent Committee of the General Assembly, with an increase in the number of favourable votes. We are working hard, with the other EU countries and the trans-regional alliance that has supported our initiative, to confirm, and if possible, reinforce this increased support for the General Assembly's next ratification vote in plenary session.
"Combating all forms of religious intolerance, with the related tragic episodes of violence targeting members of minorities, has become a highly topical issue. Episodes of violence against Christian communities have multiplied recently and, understandably, aroused strong feeling in Italian public opinion and in Parliament. Partly in response to these calls for action, we intend to intensify the government's action both in the multilateral sphere, where we have for some time now been particularly engaged with our European Union partners, and in our bilateral contacts with countries where persecution has occurred, to urge that every effort be made to bring an end to the violence.
"Moreover, Italy has been very active in the Security Council on the question of women victims of armed conflict, especially as regards sexual assault in conflict situations. Last June, the Security Council approved a resolution recognising that sexual assault committed as an instrument of war significantly aggravates armed conflicts. Italy was in the front line in the negotiations so that the link between sexual assault and international security might finally be recognised at the international level."
To enhance the Italian institutional system in this sphere, Minister Frattini has proposed to the Prime Minister the setting up of a parliamentary observatory to monitor the promotion and protection of the fundamental rights: from the right to life itself, to the dignity of men and women, to religious rights. This "observatory" would focus on certain areas of the world, starting with those where Italy is actively engaged with its peacekeeping missions and also including countries that appear to require special attention.
To achieve full respect for the rights set forth in the Universal Declaration, the work of governments and parliaments, essential as it is, is not sufficient without the essential input of the international organisations, of civil society and of individuals themselves.
We need, therefore, to intensify our efforts in the spheres of education, training and the dissemination of knowledge about human rights, to encourage a positive evolution in this sphere. In this process, each actor, whether government, Parliament, the public administration, business or civil society, has a fundamental role to play.
The author is the Italian Ambassador to Malta.