A/HRC/31/78 V. Judicial and constitutional reform 80. Deliberations concerning judicial reforms are proceeding, with possible amendments to the regulations currently governing the assize courts being debated. Some potential changes being mentioned include alterations in their structure and composition, along with the possibility of having an appeal review procedure. The Independent Expert is pleased to note that judges have been involved in the discussions on reforms in the justice system. 81. Some texts are still being awaited with some impatience, and the Government is urged to make an earnest effort to finalize them and have them promulgated withou t delay. There are three particularly important texts of this nature: (a) a text containing the wording of the definition of “victim”, which is necessary in order to make an actual start on the victim compensation phase of the process; (b) a text on victim and witness protection, which is needed in order to facilitate the trials of persons suspected of being responsible for the violence of past years and further the reconciliation process; and (c) the text of the implementing regulations for the law on the protection of human rights defenders. 82. In his inaugural address, the President announced that the Constitution of Côte d’Ivoire was to be reformed without delay. The Independent Expert applauds this initiative, which could strengthen the rule of law by introducing further provisions to reinforce the country’s democracy. It is also imperative to remove provisions from the Constitution that have the potential for deepening divisions within Ivorian society, such as article 35, which establishes the concept of “ivoirité”. It is also important to ensure that the powers of the different branches of government are balanced and that the judiciary is and remains independent. This reform effort could also provide an opportunity to establish the status of some bodies, such as the National Human Rights Commission of Côte d’Ivoire, as constitutional institutions and to strengthen their structures and consolidate their independence. VI. The United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire 83. The Independent Expert wishes to draw attention to the important role played by the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) in providing support for the smooth running of the presidential elections in accordance with international standards. He also applauds its staff ’s sustained efforts to increase security and strengthen respect for human rights in Côte d’Ivoire. It is gratifying to see that the Security Council, by its resolution 2226 (2015), extended the mandate of UNOCI until 30 June 2016 while it proceeds to downsize. The Independent Expert would like to reiterate the recommendation that he made in his preceding report (see A/HRC/29/49, para. 104), since he believes that the withdrawal of UNOCI from Côte d ’Ivoire should be conducted in a manner that will enable the country to maintain the ground it has gained in terms of economic and human development and to continue confidently along that path. VII. Conclusions and recommendations A. Conclusions 84. In the opinion of most of the national and international observers who were present at the elections, Côte d’Ivoire succeeded in holding presidential elections that were not marred by violence and that conformed to international standards. 20/23 GE.16-00901