A/HRC/43/4 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirty-fourth session from 4 to 15 November 2019. The review of Italy was held at the 1st meeting, on 4 November 2019. The delegation of Italy was headed by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Manlio Di Stefano. At its 10th meeting, held on 8 November 2019, the Working Group adopted the report on Italy. 2. On 15 January 2019, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Italy: Australia, Slovakia and South Africa. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Italy: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/34/ITA/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/34/ITA/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/34/ITA/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Germany, Portugal, on behalf of the Group of Friends on national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America and Uruguay was transmitted to Italy through the troika. These questions are available on the website of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The head of the delegation stated that since the last universal periodic review of Italy in October 2014, many changes had occurred internationally and domestically. He quoted the words “in a world of trouble” from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, saying that the maintenance of peace and security, sustainable economic and social development and the promotion and protection of human rights – also in light of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – must, and did, stand firm. He also quoted the Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, saying that the human being was at the core of “inclusive humanity”. 6. The Government of Italy reaffirmed its will to establish an independent national human rights institution in accordance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles). In that regard, the Chamber of Deputies had just scheduled a debate on the draft law to establish an independent national human rights institution, for 18 November 2019. 7. Italy had an Interministerial Committee for Human Rights, established in 1978; having such a mechanism was “internationally recognized as a best practice”. 1 The Interministerial Committee worked with a multi-stakeholder and participatory approach, and remained deeply committed in its role as the national mechanism for reporting and follow-up. 8. In regard to the new institutional frameworks that had been set up, the appointment of a Minister for Equal Opportunities and the Family was highlighted. A strategic framework for gender equality was being planned, accordingly. 1 2 A/HRC/WG.6/34/ITA/2, para. 9.