A/HRC/15/16 punishment. The Constitution and the Penal Code set out the temporary and exclusive nature of the application of the death penalty, as provided for in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The delegation noted that the death penalty was applied extremely rarely and that the law regulated the procedure for amnesty for those sentenced to death. 54. The delegation noted that Belarus understood and respected the position of countries asking for the abolition of the death sentence, and that it was indeed considering ways and means to achieve its abolition. A parliamentary working group had been established for that purpose. Efforts had also been made to influence public opinion through the mass media and awareness-raising campaigns. However, a decision to abolish the death penalty or adopt a moratorium could not be taken without bearing in mind the outcome of the referendum. A decision should be made in full awareness and should be irrevocable. Belarus would continue its cooperation with the international community on this matter. In that regard, Belarus recalled that it had not voted against the General Assembly resolutions promoting a moratorium. 55. With regard to the right to engage in peaceful demonstration, Belarus provided the assurance that it was guaranteed by law as long as demonstrations did not violate public order or the rights of other citizens. Public security and order had to be maintained in the conduct of demonstrations. The procedures established by law were designed to ensure the realization of the freedoms of citizens as well as public security. The delegation noted that this was entirely consistent with its international obligations, including those under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 56. Concerning the question of torture, Belarus noted that it was party to the Convention against Torture. In order to ensure criminal responsibility for acts of torture, the definition set out in article 1 of the Convention was fully applied. The Penal Code described all such acts as serious crimes punishable by 3 to 10 years of imprisonment, in addition to a provision prohibiting perpetrators from holding public posts. Persons subjected to torture could submit complaints to the prosecutor’s office or the judiciary, which had to respond to such complaints without delay, and the law also provided for means of public oversight. 57. According to the delegation, Belarus also devoted special attention to the issue of human detention conditions. No person could be detained other than on the basis of law, all detentions had to respect human dignity, and all cruel or degrading treatment was prohibited. The Government had allocated considerable resources to the improvement of correctional institutions. 58. The delegation noted that its legislation on freedom of association was based on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Political parties and public organizations could freely pursue their activities in accordance with their statutes and programmes. The elimination of political parties or public organizations for political reasons was prohibited by law. The laws on political parties and on public organizations set out the requirements and procedures for their establishment, and the requirements were of a uniform nature and did not depend on the nature of the activities pursued by the organization concerned. There was also an easily accessible appeals mechanism. 59. The delegation stated that, while some of the requirements for the establishment of associations might appear rigid, they were justified in practice. Belarus was one of the few countries in which the activities of non-governmental organizations did not include extremism, xenophobia or religious or racial hatred. The delegation noted that there was a favourable environment for the activities of such organizations. More than 2,200 public associations and 15 political parties were registered. According to the delegation, the number of associations was constantly rising. 9