As the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up on human rights (NMIRF), CIDU coordinates government action in compliance with international human rights agreements, with particular reference to the Conventions to which Italy is a party.
Within the United Nations, CIDU’s main interlocutors on this issue include the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the various committees (“Treaty Bodies”) established under the various Conventions, as well as the Human Rights Council (HRC) based in Geneva, which also operates through the so-called “Special Procedures”.
At regional level, CIDU also interacts with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) based in Vienna, and with the Council of Europe (CoE) based in Strasbourg, in relation to the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT).
In assisting with the monitoring activities (including periodic Country reviews and visits) carried out by these bodies with regard to the implementation of human rights commitments, CIDU prepares all the documentation that Italy is required to submit to the respective international organisations.
At national level, this role of ongoing dialogue, monitoring and coordination is carried out by CIDU in conjunction with all the relevant institutions. Although this is essentially an interministerial role, it is often accompanied by consultation and awareness-raising activities that also involve civil society. Moreover, CIDU promotes human rights not only with civil society but also through dialogue and close collaboration with academia, the business world, trade unions, professional organisations and associations.
Thanks to its activities, in 2019 CIDU was recognised by the UN as a best practice in the field of National Mechanisms for Reporting and Follow-Up (NMRFs).