The centrality of human rights in Italy's foreign policy and a new UN strategy to combat the incitement of racial hatred were the focus of talks in Rome on Monday between foreign under-secretary Manlio Di Stefano and the UN's top genocide prevention official Adama Dieng, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
"Italy is aware of the need for continuing efforts through education, inter-cultural dialogue and legislation to tackle the social malaise that often stokes tensions," Di Stefano said during his talks with Dieng.
To achieve this aim, Italy works closely with the UN system, as is shown by its membership of the UN Human Rights Council from 2019-2021, he noted.
Dieng expressed "great appreciation and thanks" for the support from Italy he received in his role and "more generally in promoting and safeguarding human rights," the statement said.
