A/HRC/38/10 124. The head of the Burundian delegation, in response to references to the arrests of persons, pointed out that the domestic justice system had been inherited from the colonial period. Improvements had been made in the wake of national consultations and had led to the amendment of the Constitution. 125. He emphasized that acts of torture had been categorized as offences under the Code of Criminal Procedure. The prosecuting authorities conducted investigations and offenders were punished in accordance with the law on the basis of evidence. 126. With regard to climate change, Burundi had actively participated in the efforts that had led to the Paris Agreement. Environmentally friendly measures, such as banning nonbiodegradable products, would be adopted. 127. A steering committee had been set up to tackle the issue of malnutrition, especially to help children and pregnant women. 128. Members of the Imbonerakure — the youth league of the ruling party — who committed offences were punished individually. Similarly, any misconduct by police officers or members of the military was punished individually. One hundred and fifty cases had been identified and 120 officers had been dismissed. 129. Regarding the prison system, steps had been taken to improve the situation of pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid placing them in pretrial detention, except in serious cases. 130. The head of delegation recalled that Burundi did not recognize same-sex relationships. 131. Between August and October 2017, 7,011 people had been repatriated and 13,229 had been repatriated from Tanzania with assistance from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. There had been 163,541 cases of spontaneous repatriation. Following repatriation, returnees received assistance from the Government. Efforts were being made to persuade all those who had left the country to return . 132. The head of delegation expressed support for the standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders, of course within the bounds of legality. He ruled out any cooperation with the experts of the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi, as he considered that its mandate was illegal and that it was a political instrument. 133. In respect of the national gender policy, Burundi was working to draw up a dedicated action plan, considering that it was an important issue. 134. Exiles would be able to take part in forthcoming elections by registering with the diplomatic missions in the countries where they lived. 135. The Government had dealt with corruption in the justice system as a matter of priority. Judges and prosecutors who were accused of corruption were punished in accordance with the law. That approach fell under the scope of the national good governance and anti-corruption strategy. 136. The head of the delegation concluded by thanking the many delegations that had made recommendations and offered encouragements to his country. Burundi remained firmly committed to the protection of human rights and would always accept cooperation, but not paternalism, in that sphere. The recommendations that were accepted would be dealt with by an interministerial follow-up mechanism and by a dedicated department of the Ministry of Human Rights, Social Affairs and Gender. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations 137. The following recommendations will be examined by Burundi, which will provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council: 137.1 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Georgia) (Honduras) (South Africa) (Spain); accede to the 10 GE.18-06283