A/HRC/14/4 stereotypes, and how Italy was addressing concerns regarding freedom of expression in the publicly owned media. Finland made recommendations. 45. Azerbaijan welcomed the establishment of the National Office for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Committee for the Protection of Foreign Minors, but noted that the High Commissioner had expressed grave concern at the xenophobic and intolerant attitudes against migrants and some minorities. Azerbaijan noted amendments to the Constitution providing for the adoption of special measures to ensure equal rights for men and women, as well as the increased number of seats held by women in parliament. It asked Italy about the possible establishment of a national plan of action aimed at eliminating racial discrimination. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 46. Israel noted that Italy had undertaken initiatives in multilateral forums concerning the abolishment of the death penalty and the protection of children in armed conflict, as well as the promotion of human rights education and training. It highlighted as particularly notable the significant increase in the representation of women in political and public positions in Italy, in response to concerns expressed in 2005 by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Israel made recommendations. 47. Sweden highlighted the fact that the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights had noted that the frequency of forced evictions of Roma and Sinti had increased following the adoption of new security measures. Sweden noted that communities were seldom notified or consulted in advance. Sweden stated that recent legislative measures on immigration and asylum were a matter of concern, including the criminalization of undocumented entry and stay, as well as the obligation that public officials report irregular migrants or face criminal charges. Sweden made recommendations. 48. The Netherlands stated that, as indicated in the national report, one of the main challenges facing Italy was that it had changed from a country of emigration to one of immigration. The Netherlands expressed concern over, inter alia, instances of hate speech and noted that the Human Rights Committee had expressed concern at political influence over public television channels and a high level of concentration in the audio-visual market. Netherlands made recommendations. 49. In response to the statements made, Italy again confirmed that a draft law on the establishment of a national human rights institution was being considered in Parliament and that an ombudsman institution for children’s rights was also being discussed. 50. Concerning the subject of racism, Italy acknowledged that the problem persisted to some extent but noted that the legal framework was clear and that judicial protection was guaranteed, including with regard to xenophobic speech. Non-discrimination was a main pillar of the Italian Constitution, and further guidance was provided through the European Equal Treatment Directive as implemented through national legislation. 51. Efforts were also being made by the Ministry of Education, which had established specific programmes in that regard and was seeking to ensure that all children could enjoy the right to education, even if their parents lacked residency permits. The Ministry of Interior was taking measures to counter racist behaviour at sports events, and a code of ethics had been developed for the media. Government authorities had also taken a number of measures to counter Internet abuse. In 2008, the Ministry of Equal Opportunities had launched an awareness-raising campaign on the question of migrants. 52. Italy noted that it had a comprehensive system of asylum and that new arrivals were regularly informed about their right to international protection. With nearly 50 per cent positive responses to all applications made, Italy’s rate of acceptance was above the EU average. Italy once again highlighted its efforts to provide rescue at sea, not only in its own waters, but also beyond. 9