Periodic Report Italy

The Italian Republic, whose Constitution dates from 1947, was established on Fundamental Principles, which provide explicit respect for human rights, social dignity, development of humankind, the protection of linguistic minorities and religious beliefs, as well as the promotion and development of culture (Articles 2, 3, 6, 8 and 9).  

Long before it ratified the 2005 Convention, Italy had laws and regulations designed to protect and promote cultural employment, heritage and all types of cultural activities. For this, the government competencies were divided between many institutions working in different domains. Based on the context prior to the ratification of the Convention in 2007, the National Report, (which is, moreover, perfectly in line with the principles and lines of action of the Convention itself) outlines the normative and institutional framework concerning the scope of interest of this international agreement.  

By following the established format for this report, we have tried to provide all information, data and critical analyses of the areas of intervention between 2007 and 2011 that played, and still play, an important role in the implementation of the principles of the Convention. This exercise revealed how the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions evolved in Italy, both at the institutional level, by a high number of public administrations and institutions, and for civil society, by many organizations working throughout the country.

The statement of 'Measures' follows the given format and is preceded by a foreword and a diagram outlining the normative and institutional framework related to the areas of intervention of the Convention. The presentation of arguments is as follows:  

Chap.2.1.Cutural policies and measures

• Telecommunications - Media / Cultural Industries (film, music, videos) / Protection of intellectual rights and copyright / Creativity
• Cultural Heritage / Culture / Linguistic Minorities
• Immigration and Civil rights
• Well-being, Work and Social Integration
• Education / Youth  

Chap.2.2. International cooperation and preferential treatment

• Counterfeiting
• Cinema
• Bilateral cultural cooperation
• Development cooperation  

Chap.2.3. Culture and sustainable development / Financial support

Chapter 2.4 of the Report, Protect cultural expressions under threat, is not exploited.

Each section of the Report incorporates an Appendix that proposes a selection of initiatives implemented in the period under consideration. The Appendix is available in the last five pages of the text.  

Section 3, Awareness raising and participation of civil society, shows the wealth and breadth of this actor's commitment to implementing the principles of the Convention.  

Appendices 1, Main sources and links, and 2.Communication of the available statistics, provide complementary information to main text presentations.  

In all the fields of action examined it is clear that Italy attaches great importance to protecting and promoting diversity of cultural expressions and in the future it could commit to strengthening any programme and action that falls within the framework of the 2005 Convention. It is also available to offer its collaboration to make its partnership with countries around the world more effective, including those which might benefit from Italy’s expertise in these areas.