U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

20^th Session of the Universal Periodic Review

U.S. Statement delivered by Ambassador Harper
Representative of the United States to the United Nations Human Rights Council

Geneva,
October 27, 2014

Thank you Mr. ‎President

The United States warmly welcomes the Italian delegation to the UPR Working Group.

We commend Italy’s longstanding commitment to the promotion of human rights, particularly its initiative to undertake the Mare Nostrum operation.

We are concerned that persons rescued at sea face poor conditions during processing once they disembarked.  An overwhelmed reception system has created new opportunities for traffickers.  We also remain concerned about widespread societal violence and discrimination targeted at Roma.

We commend Italy’s commitment to prevent and respond to violence against women; however we note that there are insufficient resources available to help survivors of rape, assault, and abuse.

We recommend the following:

1. Work with international partners in responding to the protection needs of maritime migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, by developing standardized processing procedures and making necessary upgrades to improve  conditions of reception and expulsion centers;

1. Effectively implement the National Strategy for the inclusion of Roma.

1. Combat violence against women by implementing the Istanbul Convention, which entered into force August 1, 2014, and finalize Italy’s National Action Plan.