A/HRC/25/5 84. China is committed to judicial independence. The courts and procuratorates exercise judicial and supervisory authorities independently. China retains the death penalty, but exercises strict control and caution in light of its current stage of social development. 85. China ensures implementation of human rights guarantees in the judicial field. Many achievements of the judicial reform are already reflected in the revised laws. 86. China protects the political, economic, cultural, educational and other lawful rights and interests of ethnic minority groups on multiple dimensions, including institutionbuilding, laws, policies and measures. Ethnic minority regions have experienced rapid economic and social development. 87. China opposes torture, and those who commit torture are punishable by law. The freedom of assembly and association is protected in accordance with the Constitution. There is no arbitrary detention or forced disappearance in China. 88. In formulating and implementing NHRAP, China attaches importance to the role of the NGOs and academic institutions. Citizens fully enjoy the freedom of speech. It is the obligation of all Governments to crack down cybercrimes of all types. 89. China adheres to the policy of gender equality and gives priority to protection of children’s rights. China has formed a complete legal framework for protection of the rights of women and children, incorporating the development of women and children into the overall planning of economic and social development. 90. China protects the lawful rights and interests of religious groups and religious sites. Citizens enjoy full range of religious freedom. Those who engage in unlawful or criminal activities under the disguise of “religions” are punishable by law. 91. Remarkable achievements have been made in human rights endeavours in Tibet, where traditional culture and religious freedom are protected. The affordable housing projects in Tibetan-residing areas have been carried out on a voluntary basis, to the satisfaction of the vast majority of farmers and herdsmen. 92. Indonesia welcomed NHRAP, a national blueprint for human rights in the country. 93. The Islamic Republic of Iran praised China for its preservation of cultural heritage and enhancing its population’s quality of life. 94. Iraq welcomed measures towards accession to 26 international instruments. It emphasized the policy on freedom of religion and urged China to strive towards balance between confessions. 95. Ireland was concerned about the situation of human rights defenders and restrictions on civil society organizations in China. 96. Italy commended China for its constructive dialogue on human rights with the European Union and the downward trend in executions. 97. Jamaica noted the pursuit of necessary reforms to ratify ICCPR and encouraged China to strive for its early ratification. 98. Japan encouraged the efforts on civil and political rights, judicial procedures’ transparency, and rights of minorities, including Tibetans and Uighurs. 99. Jordan commended efforts to strengthen the institutional human rights framework. 100. Kazakhstan appreciated efforts for realizing the rights of ethnic minorities, including the Kazakh minority. 101. Kenya noted the adoption of NHRAP, which gave prominence to strategies for enhancing its people’s well-being. 8