A/HRC/14/4 62. Belarus noted Italy’s commitment to fighting modern forms of slavery and the creation of a national committee to fight trafficking. Belarus commended the partnership with non-governmental organizations on the protection and rehabilitation of victims of trafficking, and highlighted the special fund for victims. It asked Italy to pay more attention to identifying victims of trafficking among illegal migrants, and to ensure their protection and rehabilitation. Belarus made a recommendation. 63. Bosnia and Herzegovina noted that Italy was not a party to certain core human rights treaties and asked if it was considering their ratification. It asked for information regarding obstacles faced in establishing a commission for the protection of human rights in accordance with the Paris Principles. It commended the National Office against Racial Discrimination and encouraged strengthening its mandate. Bosnia and Herzegovina made recommendations. 64. Chile noted that Italy was a country of immigration, and that migrants were an important resource for the economy, contributing to national progress. Chile recognized the positive measures taken to combat racism and xenophobia, but expressed concern at reports of violent acts against migrants, Roma and Sintis, as well as Italians of migrant descent, as noted by different treaty bodies. Chile made recommendations. 65. Bangladesh noted positively Italy’s promise to raise its official development assistance. Bangladesh expressed concern about the criminalization of irregular immigration. It noted reports of exploitation and abuse of migrant workers as well as illtreatment by law enforcement and immigration officials. It noted that discrimination and illtreatment against the Roma were pervasive. Bangladesh highlighted instances of hate speech targeting foreign nationals, Arabs, Muslims and Roma. Bangladesh made recommendations. 66. The Czech Republic thanked Italy for the information provided regarding freedom of the media. It referred to issues regarding the protection of minorities against racism, xenophobia and intolerance, and in the area of the protection against torture. The Czech Republic made recommendations. 67. Serbia welcomed Italy’s acceptance of individual complaints mechanisms provided in International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention against Torture, as well as the optional protocols to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Serbia asked Italy to share some best practices and challenges in this regard. Serbia noted that a considerable number of Roma, originating from Serbia, were living in camps in Italy, and that local authorities had initiated a pilot project for their repatriation. Serbia made a recommendation. 68. Malaysia welcomed the positive measures taken to address racism and xenophobia. However, it noted reported instances of hate speech and statements targeting foreign nationals and minority groups, including Roma, Sinti and Muslims. Malaysia referred to instances in which media played a role in portraying negative image of migrants and minority groups. Malaysia made recommendations. 69. The United States of America joined concerns that the census of the Roma and the Sinti, which had included the systematic photographing and fingerprinting of children, and singled out members of these groups. It stated that the mob violence in May 2008 against Roma in Naples and elsewhere was deeply disturbing, but appreciated efforts to prosecute those responsible. It remained concerned that Italy continued to be a destination and transit country for international trafficking. It made recommendations. 11