A/HRC/10/71 page 7 24. Belgium recommended (a) that Burundi, in conformity with its obligations to ensure non-discrimination, withdraw from the draft new criminal code a provision that would punish homosexual relations. Noting tensions between the Government and the opposition parties, and also with certain parts of the media and civil society, Belgium recommended that Burundi respect freedoms of expression, association and assembly, pursuant to international instruments, use mediation procedures to calm conflicts, and end the use of imprisonment for speech critical of the Government. Belgium asked the Government about specific prospects for the establishment of an independent national human rights commission pursuant to the Paris Principles, as well as with respect to the upcoming visit of the independent expert. 25. The Netherlands, noting that the availability of human, financial, material and logistic resources is a challenge for the Burundi judicial system, enquired about training programmes on human rights for judicial personnel. It recommended that such training be mandatory for all judges, lawyers and police officers. It noted that the level of violence against women is alarming and asked for information on policies to combat it. It noted that the national report fails to state that the right to a fair trial is sometimes hampered by political interference and asked what steps are taken to guarantee the independence of the judiciary. Bearing in mind the universality of human rights and the recommendation of the Human Rights Committee on the right to privacy and non-discrimination, the Netherlands recommended that Burundi extend protection against discrimination and ensure that no one is subject to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 26. The Czech Republic enquired about concrete measures to prevent, investigate and punish cases of torture and extrajudicial killings. It recommended (a) the adoption of further measures to fight impunity of persons responsible for such acts and prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into all allegations of these crimes; (b) an increase of financial and human resources available to the judicial system; (c) accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the establishment of an effective national preventive mechanism in compliance with the Protocol; (d) the strengthening of efforts to ensure that all newborn children are officially registered; and (e) the issuance and implementation of a standing invitation to special procedures. The Czech Republic was concerned that some provisions of the draft criminal code could in practice undermine the right to privacy and non-discrimination of persons of minority sexual orientation. 27. The United Kingdom noted that the Committee against Torture recommended the clarification of the status of the Convention against Torture in national law; further steps to strengthen the independence of the judiciary; conclusions of investigations relating to the Muyinga and Gatumba massacres and that perpetrators be brought to justice. The United Kingdom will continue to provide technical assistance to the Government and its partners to help strengthen the capacity and independence of the judicial system. In this context, it strongly urged Burundi to ensure the establishment of the national human rights commission in full compliance with the Paris Principles. The training of police, the military and security services is critical to improving human rights, and the United Kingdom welcomed work in this regard and the engagement of international partners. The Government’s relationship with civil society, media and opposition parties deteriorated in 2008, and the United Kingdom expressed hope that the Government will continue to engage in a constructive relationship with these actors. This approach would ensure that the 2010 elections are free, fair and take place within a peaceful environment. Noting that the Government has agreed to proceed with national