Resolution CM/ResCMN(2017)4 on the implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities by Italy

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 5 July 2017 at the 1291st meeting of the Ministers' Deputies)

The Committee of Ministers, under the terms of Articles 24 to 26 of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (hereinafter referred to as “the Framework Convention”),

Having regard to Resolution Res(97)10 of 17 September 1997 setting out rules adopted by the Committee of Ministers on the monitoring arrangements under Articles 24 to 26 of the Framework Convention

Having regard to the voting rule adopted in the context of adopting Resolution Res(97)10;[1];

Having regard to the instrument of ratification submitted by Italy on 3 November 1997;

Recalling that the Government of Italy transmitted its State report in respect of the fourth monitoring cycle under the Framework Convention on 12 March 2014;

Having examined the Advisory Committee’s fourth opinion adopted on 19 November 2015, Adopts the following conclusions in respect of the Italy:

The authorities are invited to take account of the observations and recommendations contained in sections I and II of the Advisory Committee’s fourth opinion. In particular, they should take the following measures to improve further the implementation of the Framework Convention:

Recommendations for immediate action:[2]

• take urgent steps to elaborate and adopt without delay a specific legislative framework, at national level, for the protection of the Roma, Sinti and Caminanti communities with due consultation of representatives of these communities at all stages of the process; make sustained and effective efforts to prevent, combat and punish the inequalities and discrimination suffered by persons belonging to the Roma, Sinti and Caminanti communities, particularly women and girls; improve the living conditions of persons belonging to these communities, in particular by creating conditions which would allow residents to move out of the camps commonly referred to as “nomad camps” (both “authorised” and “unauthorised”) to adequate social housing; ensure that all Roma, Sinti and Caminanti children, irrespective of their status, have full access to and are fully included in mainstream education; take resolute measures to combat early school dropout and underachievement;

• review without further delay the mandate and status of the Office for the Promotion of Equal Treatment and the Fight against Racial Discrimination (UNAR) with a view to strengthening its competencies and continue to make available all the resources needed for it to operate efficiently and independently, in accordance with the Paris Principles;

• improve access of persons belonging to national minorities, including the numerically smaller ones, to radio and television programmes particularly relevant for them; continue supporting sustainable development of the printed media published in languages of linguistic minorities;

• provide adequate funding for teaching of and in national minority languages and ensure appropriate provision of qualified teachers and textbooks; pay special attention to the needs of persons belonging to the numerically smaller

Further recommendations[3]

• promote tolerance and respectful attitudes amongst the majority population and increase efforts to combat all forms of intolerance, racism, xenophobia and hate speech; take further legislative measures and implement policies to combat racist manifestations, including in the media, at sporting events and in the political arena;

• consult representatives of the Roma, Sinti and Caminanti communities, including women, in all projects and activities concerning them, in particular those implemented in the framework of the National Strategy for the Inclusion of Roma, Sinti and Caminanti Communities 2012-2020, at national, regional and local levels;

• increase funding for projects aiming to maintain and develop the cultural heritage of linguistic minorities; pay particular attention to the actual needs of persons belonging to the numerically smaller minorities;

• make sustained efforts to promote the use of minority languages by persons belonging to minorities in dealings with the local administrative authorities; ensure that linguistic help desks are opened in all the municipalities concerned and that these help desks are given the human and financial resources they need to operate effectively;

• review the procedures for appointment of representatives of national minorities in the work of the Technical Committee set up to implement Law No. 482/1999 to ensure that the legitimate interests of all recognised historic linguistic minorities are represented; review the composition of the Technical Committee with a view to giving a greater say to representatives of minorities on issues affecting them and ensuring gender balance within the Committee.

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[1] In the context of adopting Resolution Res(97)10 on 17 September 1997, the Committee of Ministers also adopted the following rule: “Decisions pursuant to Articles 24.1 and 25.2 of the Framework Convention shall be considered to be adopted if two-thirds of the representatives of the Contracting Parties casting a vote, including a majority of the representatives of the Contracting Parties entitled to sit on the Committee of Ministers, vote in favour”.

[2]The recommendations below are listed in the order of the corresponding articles of the Framework Convention.

[3]The recommendations below are listed in the order of the corresponding articles of the Framework Convention.