A/62/306 60. In the opinion of the Special Rapporteur, the increase in racist and xenophobic violence represents the greatest threat not only to the construction of a democratic, egalitarian and interactive multiculturalism, and thus to the ability of ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse communities to live together, but also to the progress of democracy in the Russian Federation. This diversity, which is the legacy of complex historical processes, in the final analysis, is the most profound and lasting source of the internal vitality and external influence of Russian society. Determined political, legal, judicial and cultural efforts to combat the perpetrators and promoters of racist and xenophobic ideology and violence, particularly neoNazis, therefore pose a major ethical and political challenge for a society whose communities all suffered considerably in the fight against Nazism. 3. Mission to Italy 61. The Special Rapporteur visited Italy on a mission from 9 to 13 October 2006 in order to assess the situation of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, particularly in the light of the current strong migratory pressure and the legislative and political legacy of xenophobia inherited from the racist and xenophobic political platforms that marked the previous Government coalition. 62. In his mission report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/4/19/Add.4), the Special Rapporteur noted the new Italian Government’s firm commitment to combating racism and xenophobia, as illustrated by the implemented or planned legislative reforms on immigration and citizenship, the efforts to improve the situation of Roma and Sinti communities and for the recognition of those communities, and, finally, a greater sensitivity to multiculturalism. Although racism is not a deeply rooted feature of Italian society, there is a disturbing trend towards xenophobia and an increase in manifestations of racism. These in part stem from the legacy and impact of the policies and programmes of the previous Government coalition, which contained parties that promoted overtly racist and xenophobic platforms. This dynamic is currently being fostered by the persistence of these platforms in certain extreme right-wing parties, particularly at regional and local levels, and it is being strengthened by certain media and political parties that exploit the fears that have arisen both from the current migratory pressure and from the identity crisis facing Italian society as a result of the process of ethnic and religious multiculturalization. These racist manifestations and processes mainly affect the Sinti and Roma communities, immigrants and asylum-seekers — primarily those of African origin but also those from Eastern Europe — and the Muslim community. 63. Among his recommendations to the Italian Government, the Special Rapporteur underlines the need to address the socio-economic inequalities faced by communities discriminated against vis-à-vis the rest of Italian society, and the importance of continuing to express, at the highest national level, a firm political will to combat racial discrimination. He also places emphasis on the importance of adopting a legal strategy for the implementation of existing legislation to combat discrimination; redefining the National Plan of Action put in place following the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held in Durban in 2001; reforming the law governing immigration; adopting comprehensive legislation and an overall policy on asylum; and recognizing the Roma and Sinti communities as national minorities. Finally, he recommends the elaboration of a cultural strategy which links the combat against racism with the long-term construction of a democratic, egalitarian and interactive 18 07-49048