A/HRC/17/4 confinement. The United Kingdom noted achievements towards reconciliation, but was concerned about the lack of qualified practitioners, the impartiality of judges and the rights of the accused. While welcoming the 2010 presidential elections, the United Kingdom was concerned that opposition parties had been unable to register, and about reports of intimidation of the opposition. It requested information about measures taken to guarantee democratic elections in 2011. It was also concerned about restrictions on freedom of expression. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 54. Germany referred to the freedom of association for political parties and their mandatory registration with the police, and requested further information on this topic. It also referred to the threats against journalists who criticized the Government. Germany made recommendations. 55. Burkina Faso appreciated Rwanda’s efforts in the area of development, human rights, democracy and culture of peace, as well as progress in the formation of a legal and institutional framework regarding human rights. It praised Rwanda for its cooperation with the international community, including Rwanda’s withdrawal of all reservations to international human rights treaties, and the submission of reports due to the treaty bodies. Burkina Faso made recommendations. 56. Slovakia underlined the challenges faced by Rwanda due to the heritage of genocide. It commended Rwanda for having ratified most of the human rights treaties, abolishing the death penalty, and the A-status accreditation of its National Commission for Human Rights. Slovakia made recommendations. 57. Ghana commended Rwanda for its initiatives to address issues relating to the promotion of peace, justice and reconciliation, and for the high female representation in the Government, the Supreme Court and Parliament. Ghana noted Rwanda’s development in maternal and child health care, and enquired about the impact of the One Laptop Per Child policy. It urged Rwanda to implement the recommendation of the Committee on the Rights of the Child to investigate child abuse. 58. The United States of America expressed concern about the lack of progress in allowing the media to speak freely without fear of punishment, and that the 2009 Media Law impeded the development of free media. It welcomed the adoption of a human rights policy and a national action plan for human rights protection. However, it noted that the Government had engaged in harassment of human rights defenders and journalists, and imposed burdensome NGO registration requirements. The United States noted that Rwanda had rebuilt its judicial system, but remained concerned over reports of political interference in the judiciary. It also expressed concern about unfair trials and lack of judicial independence. The United States made recommendations. 59. Chad commended Rwanda’s engagement with human rights, as demonstrated by the ratification of several human rights instruments, the incorporation of these treaties into domestic law, and the submission of reports to the treaty bodies. Chad noted with satisfaction the government’s engagement in the reconstruction of the country, the emphasis placed on the rule of law, respect for human rights, national reconciliation and unity, as well as the objective to make Rwanda a middle-income country by 2020. Chad made a recommendation. 60. Poland commended Rwanda for the recent developments in the field of human rights, including the establishment of the Gender Monitoring Office. It noted with appreciation the achievements made in post-conflict resolution. Poland referred to the findings of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Human Rights Committee, and made recommendations 10