A/HRC/15/4 14. Slow and complex legal proceedings affecting the credibility of courts and tribunals are another concern that the Constitution and new laws will tackle. Guaranteeing access to rights and to the judicial institutions -- making the citizen closer to the legal system -- is part of the reform efforts of the Transitional Authority. Other commitments undertaken by the Transitional Authority include combating arbitrary arrest, prolonged illegal detention and abuse against freedom of speech, and ensuring the right to assemble and demonstrate, press freedom and the right to freely choose one’s representatives. 15. The delegation added that the universal period review, as a mechanism for international cooperation, combines a process of self-evaluation with an assessment by peers with a view to reinforcing State institutional capacities. In that connection, the review will assist the Government in continuing the renaissance begun through the Ouagadougou Agreements. Lack of respect for human rights had become a system of government and was the cause of much suffering among the Guinean people. Transition bodies are composed of men and women of goodwill who themselves have been the victims of human rights violations. Nonetheless, the cooperation and assistance of the international community are needed, and the first step in that regard is the opening of an OHCHR office in Conakry. 16. Replying to advance questions, the delegation stated that freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of reunion and association, freedom of public gathering and freedom of the press have constitutional value in the Guinea legal system and are protected by the law and by State institutions. 17. The Criminal Code, the Electoral Code and the law on political parties will be reinforced by new institutions for the protection of human rights, resulting from the constitutional reform, in addition to the Independent National Commission on Elections. 18. Regarding the right to life and physical integrity, extrajudicial executions, the excessive use of force, and other forms of violence, including sexual violence, a pool of judges is, as a result of the events on 28 September 2009, currently conducting an inquiry in order to ascertain the gravity of human rights violations, their perpetrators and the degree of personal responsibility, to gather evidence and to bring before appropriate courts those responsible for massacres. This work follows the reports of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry and the National Commission of Inquiry. 19. The opening of an OHCHR office in Conakry will resolve all questions related to the issuance of a standing invitation to all special procedures mandate holders. 20. With regard to the ratification of international instruments, the Government has entrusted an interministerial commission with the task of studying the possibility of adhering to optional protocols. 21. The delegation stated that the financial law envisages a limited amount of resources for improving the living conditions of detainees. However, the largest portion of the budget of the Ministry of Justice is devoted to such expenditure. In addition, a number of nongovernmental organizations are monitoring the availability of food and hygiene as well as health conditions in prisons and other detention centres. The judge for the execution of sentences determines detention modalities for each convicted person, including release on parole and alternative sentences. 22. The strategy for the elimination of harmful traditional practices and stereotypes is based on the application of repressive laws, on the one hand, and on the implementation of awareness and education mechanisms and programmes regarding issues such as early marriage and female genital mutilation, on the other. Perpetrators of female genital mutilation can be sentenced to life imprisonment or even death. 23. The Transitional Authority has undertaken constitutional reforms designed to reinforce legislative tools and regulations aimed at ensuring respect for human rights on the 5