A/HRC/23/9 53. The State of Palestine welcomed efforts in the areas of, inter alia, reduction of poverty and promotion of gender equality. Amendments to the Criminal Code and measures to protect children from domestic violence were commended. The State of Palestine urged Burundi to adopt a national plan for children’s rights. It made recommendations. 54. Paraguay noted the revision of criminal legislation on torture, genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and the abolition of capital punishment. It welcomed the establishment of the NIHRC and noted cooperation between Burundi and OHCHR. Paraguay made recommendations. 55. The delegation of Burundi thanked the representatives for their questions and reaffirmed its Government’s willingness to listen to their advice and suggestions so that together they could see how best to meet the challenges facing the country. The delegation grouped its replies by theme. 56. With regard to the question about the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the bill was in the process of being adopted by parliament. Burundi had not been able to establish the Commission in 2012 due to various sociopolitical and organizational impediments, but the President of the Republic was committed to establishing the Commission in 2013. The Government had deemed it unwise to combine the legal provisions governing the two transitional justice mechanisms, one non-judicial (the Truth and Reconciliation Commission) and the other judicial (the Special Tribunal). The legal provisions governing the latter would likely be drafted once the Commission had submitted its report. 57. With regard to impunity for serious human rights violations in the form of crimes and extrajudicial executions, it had been pointed out that the number of violations had dropped significantly and that the perpetrators of offences were brought to justice, as demonstrated by the recent arrest of a number of soldiers and police officers. 58. Regarding the concerns about the intimidation of journalists and human rights defenders, the delegation pointed out that freedom of expression was guaranteed. No journalists were intimidated. On the other hand, anyone who violated the law was prosecuted regardless of their profession. A bill decriminalizing press offences had been drafted, and the media had been given the opportunity to express their complaints about the bill. 59. Special procedures mandate holders were welcome: Burundi had worked closely with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi for eight years. The delegation would look into the possibility of extending a standing invitation to mandate holders. 60. Regarding the recommendation to adopt a specific law on violence against women, the Government was currently analysing a bill dealing specifically with gender issues, which was intended to protect women, girls and schoolchildren. In addition, anyone convicted of violence against women or children was liable to receive the maximum penalty. 61. With regard to the rights of the child, the head of the delegation said that a decree establishing a national children’s forum had been signed and was in the process of being implemented. In addition, the Government was developing a national policy to protect the rights of the child, as it recognized that children were the country’s future. Burundi had established a national policy on education for girls, and there was parity between girls and boys in access to school. 62. Concerning inheritance, matrimonial regimes and bequests, a bill had been submitted to parliament, but for the time being the Government had decided to launch a study on the impact and benefits of such a law. 8 GE.13-12565