A/HRC/29/4 8. The Constitution was adopted by referendum in 2010 in an open and transparent process of constitutional reform. The Constitution affirmed the principle of the rule of law, guaranteed the principles of separation of powers and the independence of courts, and established safeguards for the protection of human rights. 9. The norms enshrined in the Constitution asserted the utmost importance of human rights and freedoms. International human rights instruments were directly applicable and took precedence over other international agreements. 10. The delegation explained that the independence of the judiciary was guaranteed by the Constitution and judges were independent and subordinate only to the Constitution and the law. Citizens were entitled to judicial protection and to legal aid in cases prescribed by law. Kyrgyzstan had intensified efforts to create the institution of a grand jury so the citizens could take part in the administration of justice. 11. The judicial system continued to face various challenges. The Judicial Reform Council, an advisory and consultative body, had been set up to coordinate the priority measures of the judicial reform. The Council of Judges had developed the comprehensive National Programme for the Development of the Judicial System 2013–2017, which provided a thorough analysis and specific recommendations related to key issues of the judiciary and of access to justice. 12. In 2010, the country had experienced ethnic conflict in the south of the country that resulted in casualties. The Government managed to stabilize the situation and stopped the conflict. The Government had implemented a policy framework for harmonization of interethnic relations and for long-term integration. The National Sustainable Development Strategy 2013–2017 and the Policy Framework on Strengthening National Unity and InterEthnic Relations had been developed and adopted through open and wide discussion of the situation after the 2010 conflict. 13. The process of improving the electoral legislation before the 2015 parliamentary elections had aimed to improve the representation of women and ethnic minorities in elected bodies by applying a quota to candidate lists. 14. The delegation highlighted the establishment of the Human Rights Coordinating Council, attached to the Government as an interministerial consultative and advisory body. The Coordinating Council was authorized, inter alia, to conduct regular monitoring of the human rights situation, take measures to implement recommendations of international human rights bodies, engage with civil society and other stakeholders and to discuss and develop recommendations in order to ensure the protection of human rights in the country. 15. Following the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) in 2008, the National Centre for the Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment had been established. That national preventive mechanism consisted of representatives of civil society, the Ombudsman and the Parliament. The Centre had been facing some challenges, including a lack of sufficient funding for its effective functioning. Despite the challenges, two offices of the Centre had already been opened. 16. An interministerial working group had been established for the preparation of the national report for the second cycle of UPR. Legal and comparative analysis of law and practice as well as an analysis of root causes of human rights violations had been conducted in the process of the preparation of the national report. The national report documented achievements and remaining challenges. 17. The Government had followed the recommendations that were put forward during the 2010 review calling for an open and transparent process of constitutional reform and 4