United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child Reviews Italy
10 May 2003
On January 31, 2003, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child published its Concluding Observations on Italy. In its Concluding Observations, released following its 32nd session, the Committee stated:
"20. [...] the Committee is concerned at racist incidents against minorities; the use of hate speech in public presentations; the disparities in the enjoyment of economic and social rights, particularly health, social welfare, education, and housing experienced by poor children, Roma children, non-Italian children, including unaccompanied minors, and disabled children.
31. The Committee is deeply concerned about allegations of instances of ill-treatment by law enforcement officers against children and at the prevalence of abuse, in particular against foreign and Roma children.
51. The Committee notes that a reform of the juvenile justice system is pending. It is concerned at the existing discrimination against children from foreign origin and Roma children within the juvenile justice system; [...].
53. In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) take all necessary measures, including through awareness campaign and adequate training of the personnel involved, to prevent and eliminate discrimination against children from foreign origin and Roma children;
54. While noting efforts undertaken by the State party in order to improve the situation of Roma children, The Committee remains concerned at their difficult social situation and their insufficient access to education and health services. In addition, the Committee is deeply concerned at instances of discrimination against this group of children, sometimes from the personnel of the State party themselves.
55. The Committee recommends that the State party develop in cooperation with Roma NGOs comprehensive proactive policies and programmes to prevent social exclusion and discrimination, and to allow Roma children to fully enjoy their rights, including access to education and health care."
- Full text of the Committee's Concluding Observations .
(ERRC)
