A/HRC/23/9 112. Côte d’Ivoire urged Burundi to ensure the promotion and protection of all human rights, including for women, children and vulnerable people. Burundi should request support from the international community in implementing the recommendations from the first UPR cycle on establishing food security and combating poverty. Côte d’Ivoire made a recommendation. 113. Cuba welcomed policies to improve living standards; combat poverty and extreme poverty; combat HIV/AIDS; promote gender equality, transform the economy in pursuit of sustainable growth; improve access to quality basic services; and strengthen social protection. Cuba made a recommendation. 114. Cyprus commended Burundi on honouring its commitment to criminalize torture under its new Criminal Code. However, it was concerned at reports of continued incidents of torture by government officials and members of the Armed Forces. Cyprus made recommendations. 115. The Czech Republic welcomed efforts to overcome challenges in the process of reconciliation and strengthening the rule of law, the abolition of the death penalty and the criminalization of torture under the new Criminal Code, but was concerned that the Code also criminalized same-sex relations. It made recommendations. 116. In answer to the question about the situation of the Batwa, the delegation of Burundi reiterated that the Batwa were recognized as an ethnic group under the Constitution and were considered to be full-fledged Burundians with the same rights as other citizens. Moreover, Burundi had taken measures to protect albinos, and perpetrators of offences against albinos were severely punished. 117. In the light of allegations of extrajudicial executions, Burundi had set up a commission of inquiry, which had demonstrated that some murders had been committed by police officers and soldiers. Those responsible for the murders had been arrested. There was no impunity for the police, the military or the intelligence services; 250 police officers and 300 soldiers were in prison for human rights violations. 118. The delegation emphasized the need for economic recovery as a prerequisite for good governance and the rule of law. It noted that 40 per cent of the State budget was allocated to socioeconomic sectors, and that the Government had established an institutional framework to combat corruption. It further noted a 50 per cent increase in the number of children in school and said that the number of classes had doubled. 119. In an effort to improve maternal and child health, Burundi had established a national health development policy along with free health care for women giving birth and for children under 5 years of age. The State had also taken steps to encourage birth registration. 120. Turning to the questions about freedom of the press, the delegation said that freedom of expression was enjoyed by everyone, as demonstrated by the large number of private radio stations, television channels and newspapers. Only one journalist was currently in prison, and that was for alleged involvement with armed gangs. There were now no human rights defenders in prison. The delegation repeated that Burundi was working on a new press bill. Also, bills on public assembly, non-profit associations and religious organizations were in the process of adoption. Some of the contentious provisions of the law on public meetings had been removed from the new bill. 121. With regard to discrimination against homosexuals, the delegation acknowledged that the Criminal Code of 2009 still punished homosexuality. That situation was in line with the country’s customs and values, and the delegation asked for the international community’s understanding while Burundian society prepared for a change in mentality. The head of the delegation did emphasize, however, that he would raise the issue with the Government. GE.13-12565 13