Italy
The election of a coalition government led by a hard-right, nationalist party raised serious concerns about more abusive migration policies and restrictions on reproductive rights. Italy renewed its cooperation with Libya supporting the intercept of boats and return of migrants and asylum seekers to abuse in that country, while obstructing and criminalizing rescue at sea by humanitarian organisations. Poverty levels remain at a record high, impeding people’s enjoyment of their economic and social rights. Significant barriers to accessing abortion, including high rates of conscientious objection, remained. The European Commission raised rule of law concerns with respect to judicial independence and efficiency, while noting shrinking civil society space.

- Asylum Seekers
Italy’s Harsh Immigration Bill Puts Lives at RiskFebruary 13, 2026
Dispatches
Associate Director, Europe and Central Asia Division - International Criminal Court
Italy, Hungary’s Snub of ICC Arrests Should be a Wake-Up Call for the EUFebruary 10, 2026
DispatchesResearcher, International Justice Program - Women's RightsItaly’s new draft law on sexual violence represents a serious step backward from a consent-based approach to addressing sexual abuse. Rather than consolidating consent as the basis for assessing sexual violence, the revised text shifts the burden back onto victims, requiring them to demonstrate explicit denial of consent for an act to be considered sexual assault.The Absence of No is Not Yes: Italy’s Flawed Sexual Violence Bill
January 27, 2026
Dispatches
Associate, Disability Rights Division
Videos
Watch more VideosReports
More reports- February 25, 2025 Feature
Ship of Humanity

- June 15, 2021 Report
Italy: Students with Disabilities Included in Covid-19 Education Plans
Examples of In-Person Education in Pandemic Offer Lessons for All

- May 5, 2021 Report
France: Police Expelling Migrant Children
Flout Child Protection, Immigration Rules

- December 18, 2020 Report
Italy: Flawed Migrant Regularization Program
Opportunity to Learn Lessons for Future

News
- January 27, 2026 News Release
Italy: Shipwreck Trial Opportunity For Justice
6 Italian Officers Face Charges for 94 Deaths

- October 13, 2025 News Release
Italy: End Border Control Pact with Libya
People Returned by Libyan Coast Guard Subject to Severe Abuse
- October 9, 2025 News Release
UN: Abusive Governments Set to Win Rights Council Seats
Egypt, Vietnam, Others Benefit from Non-Competitive Vote

- July 17, 2025 Dispatches
A Disappointing Ruling in Italy with a Silver Lining
Constitutional Court Says Sea Rescue Groups Can Ignore Invalid Orders

- May 22, 2025 Dispatches
Rule of Law in Italy Under EU Scrutiny
EU and Italian Government Action Needed to Address Threats to Democracy

- May 20, 2025 News Release
Italy: Constitutional Court Hears Challenge to Law Penalizing Sea Rescue
Court to Assess Legitimacy of Sanctions on Life-Saving Rescue Groups

- May 20, 2025 Amicus Briefing
Human Rights Watch Amicus Brief to Italy's Constitutional Court
- April 2, 2025 Dispatches
New Risks from Latest Scheme under Italy-Albania Immigration Deal
Italy Should Scrap Plan Entirely
- February 25, 2025 Feature
Ship of Humanity

- February 18, 2025 Statement
Over 230 Global Organizations Demand Governments Producing F-35 Jets Stop Arming Israel
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