Italy withdrawal from ENOC

Italy has withdrawn from the European Network of Ombudsmen for Children (ENOC) following a decision by the national guarantor for childhood and adolescence, Marina Terragni. The withdrawal was triggered by a disagreement over a 13-page ENOC document titled ‘Declaration on the protection and promotion of the rights of LGBTQIA+ children and young people.’

Terragni reportedly objected to the use of the term ‘cisgender’ in the document and requested that her dissenting opinion be recorded, a request that was denied. In response to the decision, political groups such as Sinistra Italiana – AVS and Unione Giovani Sinistra (UGS) urged regional authorities to formally oppose the withdrawal, arguing that exiting the network isolates Italy and weakens protections for vulnerable minors.

Critics, including the Rifondazione Comunista party, have characterized the move as an ideological decision that denies the rights of LGBTQIA+ minors. The association Defense for Children has announced intentions to report the matter to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, claiming the withdrawal undermines international systems of protection.