CRC/C/ITA/CO/5-6

Italy (CRC 28-02-2019)

The Committee considered the combined fifth and sixth periodic reports of Italy (CRC/C/ITA/5-6) at its 2354th and 2355th meetings (CRC/C/SR.2354 and 2355), held on 22 and 23 January 2019, and adopted the present concluding observations at its 2370th meeting, held on 1 February 2019.

Concluding observations

C. General principles (arts. 2, 3, 6 and 12)

Non-discrimination

14. The Committee reiterates its previous concerns (CRC/C/ITA/CO/3-4, para. 24), in particular:

(a) The disparities between regions in access to health-care services, the minimum standard of living and education for all children throughout the country;

(b) The prevalence of negative attitudes towards children based on their status, origin, sexual orientation or gender identity.

15. Taking note of targets 5.1 and 10.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Committee recommends that the State party ensure full protection against all forms of discrimination, including advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred, by:

(a) Taking urgent measures to address disparities between the regions in access to health-care services, the minimum standard of living, adequate housing, including the prevention of forced evictions, sustainable development, and education by all children throughout the entire country;

(b) Strengthening its measures to combat negative attitudes among State representatives and the public;

(c) Strengthening other preventive activities against discrimination and, if necessary, taking affirmative action for the benefit of children and in particular children in marginalized and disadvantaged situations, such as asylum-seeking, refugee and migrant children; stateless children; children belonging to minorities, including Roma, Sinti and Caminanti children; children born to unmarried parents; lesbian, bisexual, gay or transgender children and children living in lesbian, bisexual, gay or transgender families; intersex children; children with disabilities; and children in street situations.

 

E. Violence against children (arts. 19, 24 (3), 28 (2), 34, 37 (a) and 39)

Harmful practices

23. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Develop and implement a child rights-based health-care protocol for intersex children, setting the procedures and steps to be followed by health teams, ensuring that no one is subjected to unnecessary medical or surgical treatment during infancy or childhood, guarantee bodily integrity, autonomy and self-determination to children concerned, and provide families with intersex children with adequate counselling and support;              

(b) Educate and train medical and psychological professionals on the range of sexual, and related biological and physical, diversity and on the consequences of unnecessary surgical and other medical interventions for intersex children.