Marists for Rights: Universal Periodic Review

On January 20, the Secretariat of Solidarity-Cmi and FMSI presented the report on Italy’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to the United Nations. Alongside the directors of the Secretariat, Brothers Ángel Diego García and Diego Zawadzky, Pamela Difino from FMSI, Rosa Ciccarelli from Giugliano and Brother Iñigo García Blanco from the LaValla200> community in Syracuse were also present. They collaborated in drafting the report. Below, we share Brother Iñigo’s testimony about his participation in this presentation.

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Rise from the Broken Chair, TALITA KUM

This past January, I had the opportunity to witness one of the United Nations’ review sessions, where one of its member states, Italy, was called to “account” through its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) after a four-and-a-half-year cycle of reviewing and adjusting administrative policies on human rights.

The UPR periodically offers each State the opportunity to:

• Present reports on the measures it has taken to improve the human rights situation in the country and overcome the challenges that hinder the enjoyment of these rights; and
• Receive recommendations from other Member States with the aim of continued improvement.

The invitation to participate in these sessions came through the Secretariat of Solidarity-Cmi, which, together with the Marist Foundation for International Solidarity (FMSI), an organization with ECOSOC status contributes a civil and social perspective on key areas essential for the proper development of a more humane society, rich in social rights. These include the Right to Education, the Right to Health, the Right to Residency and Documentation, as well as the Right to Work under fair labor conditions and the fight against labor exploitation.

As an educator and an active citizen committed to the promotion and defense of universal social rights, it was truly impressive to witness firsthand how different nations articulate and present their reports, highlighting their priorities, strategies, and sensitivities under the supervision of civil entities. This is not just a political forum; it is the framework upon which we build the foundations of both international and local relations. Social changes and achievements are rarely immediate, which is why we must remain engaged in the process and not waver in our commitment to ensuring the agreements and recommendations adopted are upheld.

The Marist institutional commitment is evident in its active participation in various public networks and mechanisms that defend children’s rights and advocate for the harsh realities faced by migrants, particularly those who are most vulnerable children and young people experiencing exclusion and neglect.

We cannot stop fostering a culture of welcome, inclusion, and dignity, nor can we cease raising awareness of the need for collective responsibility. As an institution and as a community, we raise our voices with hope, believing that administrative policies and the sustainability of universal coexistence must and should address structural and existential inequalities, especially those faced by people forced to migrate and survive under difficult conditions.

I am reminded of the image that stands at the entrance of the United Nations headquarters in Geneva: The Broken Chair, a giant 12-meter-high sculpture that stands as a powerful reminder of the thousands of victims harmed each year by explosive weapons. With its seemingly fragile balance, the Broken Chair symbolizes that even those who have been wounded maintain their dignity strong even in their vulnerability. This chair is a place where the hope to recover from the world’s suffering is seated.

Talita Kum, I say to you: Rise!

If fear silences your life, putting all your dreams to sleep
Of a just and humane world where Jesus is at the center.
If the noise deafens your ears, preventing you from hearing His Word,
Dare to be yourself; He takes your hand and lifts you up.
(Lyrics from “Talita Kum” by Ain Karem)

Let us continue working together to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights, prioritizing the reality of migrants and the needs of the most vulnerable. Our mission, our vision, is to be fully engaged in building a more humane and fraternal world—where every child and young person finds opportunities to grow and live with dignity. Together, we keep building hope.

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Br. Iñigo García Blanco – LaValla200> Community, Syracuse, Italy

Map of UPR presentations – Advancing Child Rights