On Thursday May 15, 2014 at 9:30am, the Human Rights Office welcomed a visit from the Ambassador of Italy, Maurizio Enrico Serra, Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Geneva, and the First Secretary Marco Lapadura.

The meeting focused on the primary issue that IIMA and VIDES International promote “Youth Empowerment through Human Rights”. The Human Rights Office and the Italian Ambassador discussed the main issues raised at the March 11, 2014 Side Event which took place during the 25th Session of the Human Rights Council through the collaboration of the Permanent Mission of Uruguay and 25 other participating States.

Having drawn the attention of several States to the issue of youth, IIMA and the Representatives of Italy considered the necessary steps to reach a resolution at the Human Rights Council. A cross-regional statement is necessary in order to advocate for youth mainstreaming as a primary consideration within existing international instruments in the United Nations, such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the reviews of the Treaty Bodies. 

The meeting with the Italian Ambassador was cordial and mutually respectful, a necessary environment to achieve progress towards the common goal of youth empowerment.