Italy

The Italian government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic did seek to limit the harm of the pandemic on some vulnerable groups, including for those forced into poverty, prisoners, and children unable to access online education. However, women faced obstacles to exercising reproductive rights and an increase in violence during lockdown. The government implemented a limited program to regularize the status of undocumented agricultural and domestic workers. Authorities continue to cooperate with the Libyan Coast Guard to prevent people from reaching Italy by sea and to obstruct nongovernmental sea rescue organizations. Hate crimes, including against LGBTI people, are a serious problem, and needed legislation has yet to be adopted.