A/HRC/38/10 89. Argentina expressed concern about the human rights violations committed in Burundi. 90. Australia remained concerned about ongoing disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture, extrajudicial executions, sexual violence and the “official hunt” for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. 91. Austria, while noting some positive measures, remained deeply concerned about persisting serious human rights violations in Burundi, including arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, torture and sexual violence. 92. Azerbaijan acknowledged the progress made, including the ratification of international instruments. It welcomed efforts in combating gender-based violence, and ensuring the rights to health and to education. 93. Bahrain encouraged Burundi to strengthen its national mechanism for reporting and follow-up in relation to international and regional human rights mechanisms and treaty obligations, with a particular focus on discrimination against women. 94. Belarus noted the State’s cooperation with treaty bodies, and stated that its efforts to strengthen security and enhance economic growth and development should be supported by the international community. 95. Japan, while welcoming the increased level of women’s participation in political life, expressed concern about the forcible displacement of about 400,000 Burundians to neighbouring countries, as at August 2017. 96. Benin welcomed the legislative reforms aimed at protecting women and children from violence and trafficking. It urged the international community to support Burundi in strengthening peace and security and promoting economic social development. 97. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed the legal progress and prioritization of gender equality in combating poverty. It encouraged further efforts to ensure women’s access to land, to promote peace and to end violence. 98. Botswana noted the State’s efforts to promote and protect human rights, including in the area of gender-based violence. It raised concerns about the suspension of cooperation with OHCHR. 99. Brazil noted the measures taken to ensure food security and to fight hunger, and welcomed the progress made in combating HIV/AIDS. 100. Canada stated that all persons in Burundi, including human rights defenders, should be able to fully exercise their freedoms of expression, association and assembly, and to have confidence that impunity for serious crimes would cease to prevail. 101. Chad encouraged Burundi to continue implementing gender-related national action plans, and welcomed the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the ratification of international instruments. 102. Chile was concerned about the overall human rights situation and the suspension of cooperation with OHCHR and the Commission of Inquiry. It expressed alarm at the plight of human rights defenders. 103. China commended Burundi for the progress made in several areas. It called on the international community to evaluate the State’s positive efforts objectively, and to provide Burundi with constructive assistance. 104. Costa Rica invited Burundi to continue its work to reduce impunity and violence. It urged Burundi to reconsider its withdrawal from the Rome Statute and its suspension of cooperation with OHCHR. 105. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the legislative and administrative reforms undertaken to promote and protect human rights. It encouraged Burundi to continue its efforts towards national reconciliation and social cohesion. 8 GE.18-06283