In a new report the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) calls on Italy to set up a fully independent and effective equality body and reinforce the National Office Against Racial Discrimination as a fully-fledged official co-ordinating body. Italy should in particular adopt a National Action Plan Against Racism, organise an awareness raising campaign aimed at promoting equality, diversity and intercultural and interfaith dialogue, and take further action to combat hate speech by public figures (see also the translation of the report in Italian).
Since ECRI's previous report in 2016 progress has been made in several fields. The data collection system regarding bullying incidents in schools, including on grounds of ethnicity and sexual orientation, has been developed. In addition, online courses on combating bullying have been made available to teachers. In the field of LGBTI equality, progress has been made with the recognition of same-sex partnership, the adoption of the National LGBT+ Strategy and the provision of quality information on healthcare to transgender patients. The authorities have also introduced a system of financial support for centres against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including shelters for LGBTI victims of violence.
However, despite the progress achieved, some issues continue to give rise to concern. The legal status of the National Office Against Racial Discrimination - "Ufficio Nazionale Antidiscriminazioni Razziali" (UNAR) and its significant role in shaping and co-ordinating governmental policies are incompatible with the requirement of independence of an equality body.
LGBTI persons continue to face prejudice and discrimination in everyday life. Furthermore, the procedure for legal gender recognition continues to be complicated, lengthy, and over-medicalised. The public discourse has become increasingly xenophobic and political speech has taken on highly divisive and antagonistic overtones particularly targeting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, as well as Italian citizens with migration backgrounds, Roma and LGBTI persons.
Therefore, ECRI recommends that Italy set up a fully independent and effective equality body, in consultation with civil society organisations, while reinforcing UNAR as a fully-fledged official co-ordinating body responsible for inter alia the design, implementation and monitoring of the implementation of policies and other measures against racism and intolerance.
Italy should set up an independent and effective equality body and do more to counter hate speech>
