A/HRC/14/4 70. India noted the establishment of, inter alia, a national plan of action against racism. It also considered as laudable Italy’s emphasis on, and accomplishments in, human rights education. India noted concern regarding the situation of minorities and requested Italy’s views on challenges and information on new measures planned. India requested Italy’s views on concerns about the need for human rights due diligence by the country’s oil companies with regard to their overseas operations. India made recommendations. 71. Germany drew attention to a report of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, in which it noted deficiencies in the juvenile justice system. It asked how Italy ensured that the juvenile justice system was provided with the necessary means to function in accordance with the principles enshrined in the juvenile justice legislation. 72. Denmark asked Italy to elaborate on criticism regarding the transfer of migrants and asylum-seekers to another country without proper assessment of the need for refuge and other protection. It made reference to concerns by the Human Rights Committee and independent organizations noting that the Roma were not protected as a minority on the basis that they did not have a connection with a specific territory. Denmark made recommendations. 73. Austria welcomed the forms and conditions of political autonomy granted to the German-speaking minority. It noted concern about increased attacks, creating a public climate of hostility against Roma, and asked about measures being taking to combat such incitements. It noted that magistrates were concerned about threats to their independence by certain legislative reform plans. Noting concerns expressed at statements by politicians on the independence of the judiciary, Austria asked how Italy was responding to such allegations. Austria made recommendations. 74. Uruguay highlighted Italy’s standing invitation to special procedures and its dialogue with civil society in the process of the elaboration of its periodic reports to United Nations treaty bodies and other multilateral organs. Uruguay welcomed the recent announcement of the adoption of a national plan on children. Uruguay requested more information on concrete measures taken to facilitate educational support for migrant children. Uruguay made recommendations. 75. Japan expressed appreciation for Italy’s international cooperation focused on strengthening social, economic, and democratic governance, as well as the respect for human rights. Japan expressed concerns about reports of violence directed against immigrants. Japan asked about the countermeasures taken in response. Noting that the Special Rapporteur on racism had recommended that Italy recognize the Roma and the Sinti as national minorities, and protect and promote their language and culture, Japan asked about concrete measures in this regard. Japan made recommendations. 76. New Zealand asked that Italy detail specific programmes under way to target racism and xenophobia. It requested details on measures taken by Italy to ensure the individual circumstances of each asylum-seeker are genuinely considered. Noting that women made up less than 15 per cent of representatives in Parliament, it asked if Italy was taking measures to increase representation of women and, if so, what they were. It made a recommendation. 77. Burkina Faso encouraged Italy to ratify the regional human rights instruments to which it is not yet a party. It expressed concern of events affecting migrants. It welcomed the existence of the national office to fight racial discrimination, as well as new initiatives under way. Burkina Faso made recommendations. 78. Albania noted Italy’s integration policy and the measures taken to facilitate the integration of immigrants residing in Italy, although it was concerned of the aggressive rhetoric against foreigners in certain media or political groups. Albania encouraged Italy to 12