During the first wave of the covid-19 pandemic, many "violations of human rights" in socio- medical residence facilities were perpetrated in Italy. 

According to Amnesty International, the human rights of hospitalized people in nursing homes, of relatives and operators were not guaranteed during the first wave of the covid-19 pandemic. 

The five areas in which, according to the NGO, the socio- medical and socio- assistance residences have committed violations are "right to life, health, non-discrimination, not to be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment, and respect for private life." 

Amnesty Italy explains that its report "highlighted the shortcomings of Italian institutions at national, regional and local levels in adopting timely measures to protect the lives and dignity of elderly people in nursing homes during the covid-19 health emergency."

Also read: Europe closes for Covid

"The delay in enacting adequate measures, or the total lack thereof, has often resulted in violations of the right to life, health and non-discrimination of elderly guests in Italian social and socio-medical residential facilities and the operators working there," continued Amnesty Italy.

"During the first wave, in Italy and other major European countries, the choices that were made seem profoundly wrong from an ethical and economic point of view,” says Gianni Rufini, general director of Amnesty International Italy.  “A profound reflection must be made to shape the policies of the Government in the health care sector," he added.

Also read: Coronavirus in Italy

Hence, a series of recommendations and requests, including "an independent public inquiry to examine what has not worked and where the responsibilities lie, so that concrete actions can be implemented in the short term."

Ph: MikeDotta / Shutterstock.com