A/HRC/10/29 577. Regarding polygamy, Burkina Faso noted that polygamist marriage was optional whereas monogamy was the rule. It added that, as one of the secular aspects of the culture of Burkina Faso, its elimination would require an awareness-raising campaign, otherwise it would force people to practise it illegally. 578. With regard to women’s participation in decision-making bodies, Burkina Faso indicated that it had adopted a draft law on quotas, taking into account a representation level of 30 per cent of either gender for local and legislative elections. 579. With regard to the concerns devoted to the rights of indigenous peoples in Burkina Faso, the delegation noted that the Government was not discriminating or marginalizing any ethnic group on a political, economic, social or cultural level. It indicated that there was no ethnic group historically marginalized in the country. Burkina Faso stated that it was devoted to promoting all cultures, to ensuring that, despite the shortage of resources, all regions of the country would benefit from balanced socio-economic development. It underscored that the difficulties linked to health, education, and the condition of women and children were not specific to any ethnic group. 580. Burkina Faso indicated that, despite the numerous social and economic constraints and the adversity of nature, the weight of certain traditions and culture that were not always in line with human rights, the promotion and protection of human rights were an ongoing and irreversible struggle. The challenges were still numerous and Burkina Faso indicated that it would therefore appreciate any support designed to help it implement the recommendations made in the framework of the universal periodic review from the international community, and thanked in particular Argentina and Brazil in that regard, as they had already expressed their willingness to assist Burkina Faso. (b) Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 581. Algeria warmly thanked the delegation of Burkina Faso and its head for the presentation of the outcome of the universal periodic review. Algeria noted that the good quality of the national report of Burkina Faso had allowed Algeria to assess the significant progress made in various aspects of human rights since its independence, despite the numerous challenges. Algeria encouraged Burkina Faso, as a developing country with limited resources, to continue its efforts to implement the commitments mentioned in its national report. It called on the international community to support Burkina Faso in meeting its challenges. 582. The United States of America appreciated the comprehensive approach taken by Burkina Faso in the preparation of its national report. It noted that Burkina Faso had arrested and sentenced several practitioners of female genital mutilation and their accomplices, and welcomed the Government’s commitment to eradicate female genital mutilation fully and to share best practices with other countries. The United States viewed the Government’s new anti-trafficking law as a positive development. It noted the work of the Ministry of Human Rights, especially with regard to its educational campaigns. It supported the State’s request for appropriate international community and OHCHR technical assistance in consolidating human rights advancements on the ground. 583. Senegal praised the commitments of Burkina Faso to the promotion and protection of human rights, and welcomed with great satisfaction the acceptance of most of the recommendations made during the discussions of the Working Group. Senegal did not doubt the State’s willingness to implement them, and was convinced that this would contribute to further guarantee the full enjoyment of human rights in the country, particularly in relation to the rights to health and to education. Senegal appreciated the efforts already made by Burkina Faso in the national context to take on board the concerns expressed during the discussions of the Working Group. Senegal wished the Government of 182 GE.09-17451