A/HRC/38/10 72. Switzerland expressed worry about the serious deterioration of the human rights situation in Burundi, and recalled the importance of free participation by civil society in the universal periodic review process. 73. The Syrian Arab Republic commended the support given to human rights institutions, including the National Independent Human Rights Commission and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. 74. Thailand welcomed the legislation on gender-based violence and the establishment of centres focused on gender-based violence, special court chambers and regional offices of the National Independent Human Rights Commission. 75. Timor-Leste welcomed the national action plan to implement Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, the revision of the Labour Code in support of women’s rights and the prioritization of gender equality in combating poverty. 76. Togo welcomed legislative efforts in preventing human trafficking and gender-based violence, and encouraged Burundi to pay particular attention to those most vulnerable. 77. Tunisia noted with satisfaction the adoption of the law aimed at protecting women from violence, and encouraged Burundi to continue its efforts to strengthen the rule of law. 78. Turkmenistan noted positively the ratification of human rights instruments, and the implementation of gender-related national action plans, which had led to the reduction of cases of gender-based violence. 79. Ukraine expressed concern about continued reports of human rights violations and the lack of action to fight impunity. It deeply regretted the suspension of all cooperation with OHCHR. 80. The United Kingdom remained extremely concerned by the Commission of Inquiry’s findings on the issue of crimes against humanity. It strongly objected to acts of reprisal or intimidation committed against human rights defenders, including in relation to the universal periodic review process. 81. The United States was extremely concerned by the serious human rights violations and abuses and the impunity in which they were committed, and the continued restrictions on political and civic space for various actors. 82. Uruguay expressed hope that some of the adopted initiatives would contribute to combating gender-based violence and inequality. It noted the vulnerability of some minorities. It urged Burundi to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. 83. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the increased political representation of women, the law on preventing gender-based violence and protecting victims, and the housing and urbanization policy. 84. Zambia was concerned about the number of women detained with young children, and the lack of social care or protection for children separated from their detained mothers. 85. Afghanistan welcomed the implementation of the law on punishment of genderbased violence, and the establishment of gender units in ministries and special court chambers for young people and for cases of gender-based violence. 86. Albania stated that, especially since 2015, Burundi had been facing ongoing challenges connected to persistent violence, and expressed disappointment about the plight of human rights defenders. 87. Algeria noted positively that gender equality was among the main priorities in the framework of the poverty reduction strategy, and welcomed the measures taken in support of vulnerable persons. 88. Angola stated that Burundi had implemented recommendations accepted during the second cycle of the review by ratifying some international instruments, while noting that it still faced many challenges in guaranteeing the enjoyment of human rights. GE.18-06283 7