The UN's Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has expressed alarm over the use of hate speech and racist rhetoric by politicians against ethnic minorities, specifically Roma, Sinti, Camminanti, Africans, and people of African descent in Italy, particularly in the media and online.

This statement was issued on Thursday (August 31) in Geneva as part of the committee's regular assessment of UN member states' adherence to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The committee also highlighted its concern about racism within sports and towards migrants.

During discussions with an Italian delegation in early August, the committee's experts urged Italy to "effectively apply its legislation to combat hate speech and incitement to racial discrimination and ensure that all hate speech and racially motivated crimes are effectively investigated, and those found guilty are punished, regardless of their official status."

Racism in sports

Regarding racism in sports, the committee expressed concern about racist incidents, including physical and verbal attacks against athletes of African descent, and called on Italy to thoroughly investigate and sanction those responsible.

While recognizing the challenges Italy faces in providing protection for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, the UN Committee said it was "disturbed by the recent legislation, particularly the Law on Immigration and Security in 2018 and the 'Cutro Law' in 2023, which made migrants, asylum seekers and refugees more vulnerable to human rights violations, especially violations of their rights to life and security," according to a press release.

Restrictions on rescues at sea

The committee also voiced concern about legal restrictions placed on search and rescue operations at sea, which may prevent organizations from rescuing migrants in distress.

Italy was urged to take necessary measures to combat discrimination against migrants, asylum seekers and refugees and protect their rights to life, security, and physical integrity.

Moreover, Italy was asked to ensure that migrants and asylum seekers can apply for international protection and access refugee status determination procedures.

The UN's Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination monitors the compliance of UN member states with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Member states are required to present periodic reports outlining their measures taken to fulfill their obligations under the convention.