A/HRC/14/37 283. The United States of America commended Italy for enhancing its commitment to address human rights issues with the proposed establishment of an independent national human rights institution. It aligned itself with the recommendations that Italy continue to ensure freedom of expression and the media, and called for the adoption of safeguards to ensure the independent functioning of all media. It expressed appreciation for Italy’s acceptance of recommendations regarding immigration, in particular those relating to Muslim immigrants and the Roma community. It underlined the importance of recommendations regarding the forced eviction of persons living in unauthorized camps, and encouraged Italy to accept these recommendations, if it had not already done so, and to intensify efforts to consult with affected residents. 284. Iraq greatly appreciated Italy’s efforts to prepare its report, which reflected its desire to promote human rights. It acknowledged the efforts made by Italy in ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, as well as its adoption of a bill of ratification of the Convention to combat trafficking in persons. Iraq valued the reaffirmation by Italy that it would fully abide by recently adopted legislation, particularly in relation to the treatment of migrants, also known as the security package, as well as other implementing measures, principles and obligations in the area of human rights. Iraq wished Italy success in making further progress, particularly in the field of human rights. 285. Somalia noted that a large number of recommendations had been made during the review of Italy, many of which were focused on such challenges as migration policies and the fight against racial discrimination. Somalia expressed satisfaction at the acceptance by Italy of most recommendations and the detailed explanations provided in this regard. It recalled its historic ties with Italy, and called on Italy to continue to devote attention and resources to the pursuit of a lasting solution to the political, social and economic problems that had affected Somalia for so many years. Somalia seized the opportunity to thank the Commission on Human Rights of the Parliament of Italy for organizing a special hearing on the situation of human rights in Somalia. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 286. Human Rights Watch shared the concerns expressed by many delegations about intolerance and xenophobia towards migrants and minorities, including the Roma and the Sinti. Racism and xenophobia characterized by violence, as well as offensive political discourse, were serious problems in Italy. Human Rights Watch noted that, although during its review Italy had reiterated its commitment to rescue operations at sea, to date it had failed to renounce publicly its policy of intercepting and summarily returning boat migrants on the high seas. It welcomed Italy’s acceptance of the recommendation to ensure that its legislation and practices comply with the principle of non-refoulement, stressing that it was vital for Italy to comply with this principle also in relation to terrorism suspects, as the global ban on torture and the European system of human rights protection would otherwise be undermined. 287. The Joint Charitable Institute for Protecting Social Victims expressed its concern at the persistence of xenophobic attitudes and reported instances of hate speech against foreign nationals. It also expressed concern at the role of the media in associating Muslims with extremism and terrorism. It asked that Italy rectify this situation by eliminating all forms of discrimination against minorities and migrants and ensuring equal opportunities for the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights; that it take administrative and legal measures against perpetrators of racially-motivated acts; and that it ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture in order to permit the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture to conduct visits to places of detention, including reclusion centres for migrants and asylum seekers. GE.12-17781 91