In an opinion published today, the advisory committee of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities assessed Italy's commitments under the treaty as part of its sixth monitoring cycle.
Italy continues to apply the Framework Convention to 12 officially recognised "historical linguistic minorities" (Albanian, Catalan, Croat, Franco-Provençal, French, Friulian, German, Greek, Ladin, Occitan, Sardinian, and Slovene) generally recognised as an integral part of society. The dedicated and targeted strategies that address the needs and interests of the persons belonging to these "historical linguistic minorities" are welcomed.
National legal framework to protect Roma and Sinti minorities lacking
Italy also applies the framework convention to Roma, Sinti, and Caminanti. While welcoming the adoption of a National Roma and Sinti equality, inclusion and participation strategy (2021-30), the advisory committee notes the absence of a specific national legislative framework protecting their rights. Further efforts are needed to improve sustainable and long-term employment prospects, overcome persistent practical barriers to accessing healthcare and education, and promote effective inclusion more broadly.
Italy has developed a comprehensive legal framework to address discrimination. However, the mandate of the National Office against racial discrimination (UNAR) should be strengthened with regard to its investigative powers and litigation competences. The committee also notes insufficient national data to support effective and targeted policies reflecting the needs and interests of people affiliating with national minorities.
Minority languages in education and media vary
In education, the teaching in/of the languages spoken by the 12 historical linguistic minorities varies considerably between regions, creating a de facto two-tier system for minority languages. In the media sector, the 2023-28 service contract of national public broadcaster RAI (Radio-televisione Italiana) for the inclusion of minority languages audio-visual programmes is asymmetrical and remains limited for numerically smaller historical linguistic minorities.
The committee expresses concern about a general negative trend in society regarding diversity, reflected in an increase of hate speech on social media. It welcomes the increased focus on combating antisemitism and islamophobia in society, however urges the authorities to step up efforts to promote mutual respect, intercultural dialogue and understanding in society through education, cultural activities, and the media at national, regional, and local levels. It also calls for the long-term earmarked and sufficient funding for the preservation and sustainable promotion of minority languages and cultures of the historical linguistic minorities, together with an effective participation in the decision-making process in public affairs.
The sixth opinion on Italy is based on the information provided by governmental and non-governmental sources, including that obtained during the committee visit to Alghero, Trieste, Udine, and Rome in April 2025.
The opinion has been published together with the government comments in English and in Italian.
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The Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities is Europe's most comprehensive treaty protecting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities. It is the first legally binding multilateral instrument devoted to the protection of national minorities worldwide, and its implementation is monitored by an advisory committee composed of independent experts. The treaty entered into force on 1 February 1998 and is now in force in 38 states.
Read a summary of the opinion in Italian
The Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities and Italy
