A/HRC/4/19/Add.4 page 26 65. The Special Rapporteur noted the emergence of factors and positive trends to combat the dynamics of racism, discrimination and xenophobia within the Italian society reflected in a clear political will on the part of the Government, particularly at the central level, to combat racism, xenophobia and related intolerance. This political will is illustrated by legislative initiatives such as the draft citizenship law, the announced reforms of the immigration legislation and the strengthening of the repressive measures to combat racism and abuse towards migrants; the greater sensitivity towards multiculturalism being included in the education policies; the strengthening of a rights-based approach to immigration and asylum within the Government and its institutions; as well as the steps taken for the improvement of the living conditions and quality of the legal protection granted in the various centres where immigrants, asylum-seekers and refugees are detained. VI. RECOMMENDATIONS 66. Given the recent political legacy of racism and xenophobia, the Government needs to recognize the fight against racism, xenophobia and related discrimination as one of its first priorities and confirm at the highest level its determination to fight these phenomena. The Government has the responsibility to ensure that this struggle also takes place at the regional and local levels. It is particularly important to publicly and strongly express disapproval of and combat racist and xenophobic political platforms. 67. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the National Plan of Action on the Follow-up to the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. However, he recommends that the plan: be redefined to include a comprehensive programmatic strategy to address all aspects of racism in every sphere of life and including all groups concerned in compliance with the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action; be the result of a concerted effort by relevant actors, particularly civil society, the concerned communities and political parties; be formally endorsed by the Government as a thorough strategy to fight racism and discrimination; and be based on a comprehensive analysis of the Italian context with regard to racism and xenophobia. 68. The Special Rapporteur stresses the importance of further improving the implementation of the existing legislation combating racism and discrimination. The judiciary and law enforcement agencies require training in the existence and content of the law as well as adequate information on legal protection for the groups concerned. 69. The Government should consider the establishment by law of an independent national institution for the promotion and protection of human rights in accordance with the Paris Principles and for combating all forms of discrimination in a holistic manner, including all grounds such as race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation and any other status. Pending the establishment of this institution, the Government should consider with urgency the need to increase the level of independence and the human as well as financial resources of the National Office for the Fight against Racial Discrimination.