A/HRC/14/4 Paris Principles and requested more information on the status of that initiative. It made recommendations. 37. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed Italy’s commitment to work to establish an independent national human rights institution and asked about the time frame for the adoption of the draft law on that institution. It asked whether there were any plans for the reintroduction of a bill to make torture a specific offence within ordinary criminal legislation. It also raised questions regarding the legislation known as the Pisanu Law, which relates to the expulsion of foreign terrorist suspects to third countries. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 38. Norway noted worrying trends of racist violence and rising intolerance towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, but expressed appreciation for the campaign against homophobia. It noted that in 2008, according to Reporters sans Frontiers, Italy had fallen to 49th place in terms of press freedom, taking into account all aspects of freedom of expression, such as police intervention, censorship and threats, legislation and restrictions, as well as threats against journalists. Norway made recommendations. 39. Australia welcomed in particular the establishment of Italy’s National Office against Racial Discrimination and wished to receive further information. It welcomed Italy’s international efforts to prevent the involvement of children in armed conflict. Australia welcomed several measures adopted to provide economic and social support for the integration of the Roma and the Sinti, while expressing concern over reports of discrimination and degrading treatment affecting those populations. Australia made recommendations. 40. Viet Nam noted with appreciation efforts and achievements in the areas of gender equality, human rights education and the protection of the rights of women in society and in families. While acknowledging efforts to ensure the rights of migrant workers and asylum seekers, Viet Nam was concerned about prejudice and racist attitudes towards those groups. Viet Nam made recommendations. 41. The Russian Federation stated that it took a generally positive view of the work carried out by Italy in the area of human rights. It made recommendations regarding the creation of an independent human rights institution, as well as the penitentiary system and the integration of the Roma and the Sinti. 42. Nicaragua, while recognizing the problems caused by an increase in the flow of migrants, noted a lack of institutional capacity to address the attendant problems. Nicaragua observed the existence of deficiencies in procedures, in particular regarding the detention of asylum seekers, which could result in long detention periods. It noted that irregular migrants, asylum seekers, persons under humanitarian protection and refugees continued to be vulnerable to racial discrimination and exploitation in the labour market. Nicaragua made recommendations. 43. Belgium congratulated Italy on its efforts in multilateral forums to combat the death penalty. Belgium asked Italy how it assessed the situation of migrants and refugees, noting findings by the Committee and the Special Rapporteur that the media played a role in projecting a negative image of the Roma and the Sinti. Belgium asked about planned measures to fight racism and to ensure the integration of affected communities into Italian society. Belgium made recommendations. 44. Finland noted that treaty bodies had expressed concerns about the discrimination against the Roma and political influence over public television channels, as well as conflicts of interest and the high level of concentration of the audio-visual market, a situation that could undermine freedom of expression. Finland asked how the Roma had been involved in the planning and implementation of measures to combat negative 8