A/HRC/28/4 125. Armenia commended the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and the implementation of social protection programmes for victims of trafficking. 126. Australia commended Italy for its response to challenges posed by increased flows of irregular migration. It noted that the slow pace of judicial process in Italy and prison overcrowding undermined the right to a fair trial and the rights of prisoners and detainees. 127. Azerbaijan welcomed the ratification of OP-CAT by Italy and noted the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination regarding the persistence of stereotypes associating ethnic minorities and non-citizens with criminality and Islam with terrorism. 128. Bahrain urged Italy to increase efforts to prevent and combat discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities and to step up action to prevent trafficking and protect victims of trafficking. 129. Bangladesh noted concerns expressed by treaty bodies at the negative portrayal of migrants and Roma, and at stereotypes associating ethnic minorities and non-citizens with criminality and Islam with terrorism. 130. Botswana noted with satisfaction legislative and policy measures adopted in support of freedom of expression and freedom of religion, the fight against human trafficking, and the protection of women and children. 131. Brazil welcomed the implementation of migration-related recommendations from the first review cycle. However, it expressed concern regarding discriminatory treatment of migrants and Roma and stressed the need to adopt specific legislation on violence against women. 132. Bulgaria welcomed the fact that preventing human trafficking and protecting victims of trafficking remained a priority for Italy. Bulgaria commended the adoption of the National Action Plan against Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance. 133. Burundi noted with appreciation that education was compulsory for all, including foreign minors. It welcomed the strengthened and expanded role of the National Office against Racial Discrimination. 134. Canada requested an update on improved protection against all forms of discrimination. Canada was concerned about the social inclusion of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons and urged continued action to prevent violent acts against women and girls. 135. Responding to additional questions on migration, the delegation noted that there had been an approximately 40 per cent increase in the number of asylum applications in 2013, 67 per cent of which been accepted. 136. The delegation also noted that various measures taken over the years aimed at the integration and inclusion of the Roma, Sinti and Caminanti communities had demonstrated the complexity of the situation. Italy was committed to implementing a number of recommendations that had been made by the European Commission and the United Nations and was working in compliance with all relevant international human rights instruments. 137. The country was developing and implementing national and regional initiatives, as well as local plans, for social inclusion. 138. Additional measures had been adopted to address prison overcrowding and a national authority for the protection of the rights of detainees and prisoners had been established. 13