Press release - 497(2008)

Italy: Commissioner Hammarberg transmits his Memorandum to the Government

Strasbourg, 03.07.2008 – “I hope this Memorandum will help the Italian authorities to reinforce the human-rights dimension in the legislative measures proposed by the Government as part of the security package” said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, transmitting his report to the Italian authorities.

Based on the special visit to Rome carried out last 19 and 20 June, the Memorandum contains the Commissioner’s observations and recommendations on the main human rights concerns stemming from different legislative initiatives taken by the Government, as well as their general background.

In particular, it focuses on action against racism and xenophobia; the protection of human rights of Roma, Sinti, immigrants and asylum seekers; and human rights protection in the context of aliens’ forced returns based on anti-terrorism legislation.

“Through this Memorandum I wish to develop a substantive and constructive dialogue with the Italian authorities” said Commissioner Hammarberg. “I hope that my observations will provide a fruitful contribution to the present debate in Italy.”

Press contact:

Stefano Montanari, tel: +33 (0)6 61 14 70 37, stefano.montanari@coe.int

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The Commissioner for Human Rights is an independent, non-judicial institution within the Council of Europe, mandated to promote awareness of, and respect for, human rights in the 47 member States of the Organisation. Elected by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the present Commissioner, Mr Thomas Hammarberg, took up his function on 1 April 2006.

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