A/HRC/14/37 288. The International Federation of Human Rights Leagues and its affiliated league in Italy, the Union of Jurists for the Protection of Human Rights, expressed satisfaction at the large number of pertinent recommendations that had been made. It noted a marked increase in racism and discriminatory behaviour against migrants and Roma and Sinti populations in Italy. Despite existing legal instruments, judicial authorities had failed to prosecute those responsible. It also stated that Italy’s reply in relation to questions on the treatment and refoulement of illegal migrants and asylum seekers did not reflect the widespread practice of pushing back migrants in the high seas. It further observed the increasing restrictions on the freedom of expression and the right to information, and indicated that concerns raised about media concentration were particularly relevant. 289. Amnesty International noted that many delegations had asked Italy to take effective measures to counter racism and prevent discrimination against migrants, asylum seekers and members of minorities. It welcomed Italy’s support for most recommendations on these issues. It also noted with appreciation that Italy had accepted recommendations to ensure compliance with international law in relation to forced evictions. It expressed disappointment at the rejection of the recommendations to incorporate into domestic law the crime of torture, as defined in the Convention against Torture, and urged Italy to reconsider. Lastly, it regretted that Italy had rejected recommendations made to eliminate from its legislation provisions that criminalized irregular entry and stay in the country, and called on Italy to amend or withdraw these provisions. 290. The International Save the Children Alliance noted that Italy had not accepted a recommendation relating to the prohibition of corporal punishment. It urged Italy to prohibit corporal punishment and other forms of cruel or degrading punishment in all settings, including the family, by enshrining the prohibition in national law. On the other hand, the Alliance welcomed Italy’s acceptance of a recommendation relating to the effective protection of the rights of unaccompanied children and their access to asylum procedures. It noted with concern, however, that the principle of the benefit of doubt was not applied in the assessment of a child’s age, and that migrants who arrived as children were not placed in integration projects for at least two years and were not entitled to have their residents permits renewed when adults. It called on Italy to introduce adequate legal safeguards to protect the rights of unaccompanied children, and welcomed the acceptance by Italy of recommendations relating to the improvement of asylum procedures and respect for the principle of non-refoulement. 291. Rencontre afrique pour la défense des droits de l’homme noted that Italy faced great difficulties in migration management. Some migrants lived in very difficult conditions, working in some instances over 16 hours a day for very low wages, half of which they had to give to the local mafia. It welcomed Italy’s contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in many developing countries, through the promotion of food security and the right to safe drinking water. It encouraged Italy to establish a national dialogue to re-examine recommendations that it had not accepted. Lastly, it requested that Italy establish a favourable framework to rehabilitate victims of trafficking and to launch a dialogue with the countries concerned to put an end to the distress of migrants. 292. Reporters without Borders stated that Italy seemed to be drifting away from democratic standards with regard to press freedom, the financial status of the media and the separation of powers. It expressed concern at a draft law that would criminalize the publication of telephone recordings and prohibit publications relating to cases in which the investigation was not terminated as well as the use of hidden microphones or cameras, thus jeopardizing the freedom of the press and the investigative work of journalists. Reporters without Borders further referred to a conflict of interest created by the control exercised by the Prime Minister of Italy over public television channels and private media. In this context, it expressed alarm at the restrictions on investigative journalism and political 92 GE.12-17781