A/HRC/14/4 further information about the plan of action on penitentiary administration. Noting that Italy accorded special attention to human rights education, it wished to obtain further details on the results of that effort. 30. Canada welcomed the 2006 National Action Plan against Racism, but noted concerns expressed by the High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding xenophobic and intolerant attitudes against migrants and minorities, and by the Committee regarding reported instances of hate speech, including statements attributed to certain politicians. Canada also noted continuing concerns on the part of the Committee against Torture regarding the trafficking of women and children. Canada took note of the assessment made by Freedom House that Italy’s media were only “partly free” in 2009. Canada made recommendations. 31. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted a number of serious concerns, including instances of hate speech against foreign nationals, Arabs, Muslims and Roma attributed to certain politicians. It was concerned about the role of the media in associating Muslims with extremism and terrorism. Furthermore, it noted the severe under-representation of women in political and public positions, a considerable wage gap and the persistence of violence against women. Other concerns were related to reported cases of ill treatment by law enforcement agencies. Iran asked Italy to provide further details on its measures to address those issues and made recommendations. 32. Uzbekistan welcomed the constitutional amendments providing for special measures to ensure gender equality, and highlighted the adoption of the 2005-2009 plan of action on the implementation of the World Programme on Human Rights Education. Uzbekistan expressed concern at discrimination and degrading treatment with regard to migrant workers and minorities. It noted that the definition of torture had not been included in the national legislation and drew attention to reports concerning ill treatment by law enforcement agents. It made recommendations. 33. Kyrgyzstan expressed satisfaction at a programme launched by the National AntiDiscrimination Committee, which was to be implemented through cooperation between the central Government and local authorities, with the goal of creating a comprehensive system for the prevention and elimination of racial discrimination. It noted that Italy was a country of immigration and that immigrants were a very important resource contributing to the progress of Italian society. Kyrgyzstan made recommendations. 34. Egypt noted with interest the establishment of the National Office against Racial Discrimination and initiatives to combat gender-based violence. Egypt welcomed the creation of several consultative mechanisms for the promotion of an open dialogue with civil society organizations engaged in human rights. Egypt observed that Italy faced challenges with respect to xenophobic and intolerant attitudes and hate crimes against irregular migrants and certain minority groups. It wished to receive further information on steps taken to address those issues. Egypt made recommendations. 35. Hungary observed that the establishment of a national human rights institution had been pending for years and asked about the causes of that delay. Hungary also enquired about a timetable for Italy to become party to the few remaining human rights instruments that it had not yet ratified, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. Noting Italy’s emphasis on the education of Roma and Sinti children and young people, Hungary asked about the results achieved through those programmes. 36. Mexico recognized the progress in the area of human rights, which would be strengthened through the prohibition of political platforms that incite racial hatred and xenophobia and the adoption of laws and practices to improve the situation of national minorities and guarantee equal access to employment for men and women. Mexico noted Italy’s commitment to creating a national human rights institution in conformity with the 7