Italy Reaffirms Dedication to Combating Human Trafficking at UN Session

Geneva: Italy has emphasized its unwavering dedication to combating human trafficking, as conveyed by Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, the Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organisations. Grassi articulated this commitment during an Interactive Dialogue with Siobhan Mullally, the Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings, at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

According to Ansa News Agency, Ambassador Grassi highlighted the significant threat that trafficking poses to international peace and security. He stressed the importance of providing adequate protection to victims, particularly the most vulnerable. Grassi outlined Italy’s strategy through the National Plan of Action against trafficking and the severe exploitation of human beings for 2022-2025, which aims for a comprehensive approach from prevention to the protection of victims, and the prosecution and conviction of traffickers.

The Ambassador expressed grave concern regarding the growing connections between transnational organized crime, terrorism, and trafficking networks. He warned that these networks could exploit large-scale migratory movements, as irregular and unsafe migration routes increase the risk of abuse, especially for women and girls. Grassi concluded by reiterating Italy’s commitment to bolstering international cooperation and safeguarding the victims of human trafficking at both national and international levels, with a focus on protecting women, children, and unaccompanied minors.