The European Union has once again postponed the partnership agreement to Rome with more than 200 objections, an excellent opportunity for Renzi to address the issue of discrimination. We are requesting a meeting with Minister Poletti.
Rome – The European Union has once again rejected the Partnership Agreement that the Italian government had submitted (for the third or fourth time) for their consideration. This time, the Commission's comments are "only" 200 or so. This is good news for those working on discrimination in Italy, as it will allow the Renzi government to amend the text and reinstate "the fight against all forms of discrimination and the promotion of equal opportunities" among its identified objectives.
As is well known, the Partnership Agreement is essential for accessing structural funds (primarily the ESF and ERDF), which represent the only consistent and reliable source for developing social inclusion policies. Contrary to the European Union's recommendations (the Regulations are clear), this point was deleted from the Partnership Proposal, diluting the fight against discrimination into numerous small-scale initiatives that failed to address all the areas of discrimination covered by the European Union. And, coincidentally, that document NEVER mentioned sexual orientation and gender identity among the causes of potential discrimination that the EU does.
Also of concern are reports circulating regarding the drafting of a National Operational Programme (PON) for Social Inclusion (an operational instrument that should follow the Partnership Agreement). At a recent meeting of the technical committee, the guidelines emerging were to entrust UNAR exclusively with initiatives benefiting Roma, Sinti, and Camminanti, without mentioning any other categories of people potentially affected by discrimination. If confirmed, these reports would be unacceptable, and would also portend a future for UNAR "normalized" to initiatives solely benefiting Roma. This normalization is a matter of strong demand from the many fundamentalists who have been active in this area.
The associations are requesting a meeting with Minister Poletti to gain clarification on the future of the fight against discrimination (all forms) through structural funds and, more generally, on the Ministry's commitment to people at risk due to their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Fiorenzo Gimelli – AGEDO
Flavio Romani – Arcigay
Paola Brandolini – ArciLesbica
Yuri Guaiana – Associazione Radicale Certi Diritti
Aurelio Mancuso – Equality Italy
Giuseppina La Delfa – Rainbow Families
Marcasciano Purple – MIT
