Emma Bonino, Italian Political and Human Rights Leader, Dies at 78

ROME: Emma Bonino, a prominent Italian politician and longtime human rights advocate who played a leading role in campaigns that contributed to the legalization of abortion and divorce in Italy, has died at the age of 78, her political party +Europa announced.

Bonino emerged as a major political figure in the 1970s through the Radical Party, challenging Italy’s conservative political establishment and the influence of the Catholic Church. She was among the founders of the Information Center for Sterilization and Abortion in 1975, an organization that provided information and assistance at a time when abortion remained illegal in Italy. Abortion was legalized in 1978.

Over a political career spanning more than five decades, Bonino was elected six times to Italy’s lower house and twice to the Senate. She also held several senior government positions, including foreign minister, trade minister and minister for European affairs. In 1995, she became a member of the European Commission, where she was involved in consumer protection and humanitarian affairs.

Her international humanitarian work took her to conflict and crisis zones including the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Sudan and Afghanistan. She advocated for stronger European engagement in humanitarian crises and became a prominent supporter of a common European foreign and defence policy.

Bonino also campaigned on issues including civil liberties, women’s rights, opposition to the death penalty, combating world hunger and opposing female genital mutilation. She co-founded the death penalty watchdog Hands Off Cain and remained an influential voice in Italian public life even after the Radical Party’s political influence declined.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to Bonino, acknowledging her importance to Italy’s public life despite their differences in political outlook. Bonino was also known for her friendship with Pope Francis, with whom she maintained a close personal relationship despite their disagreements over issues including abortion and euthanasia.

Bonino had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015 but continued her political and humanitarian activities. She remained active in public debate in her later years and was widely recognized for her determination, sharp political commentary and commitment to human rights.

Her death marks the passing of one of Italy’s most distinctive political figures, whose activism helped shape major social and political reforms in the country and whose humanitarian work extended well beyond Italy’s borders.