A/HRC/23/9 63. The independence of the judiciary was guaranteed by the Constitution, but tangible reforms could be expected. The need for reform had already been pointed out during the negotiation of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. The Government was preparing for the national consultations on justice with a view to ensuring the full independence of the judiciary. The consultations would be held in the second half of 2013. 64. Concerning the 2015 elections and the opposition members in exile, some opposition members had already returned to the country, after the Government had consistently reached out to them to facilitate their return. Burundi needed all of its citizens to participate in the 2015 elections. 65. With regard to the independence of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, the delegation thanked partners for their assistance and reiterated its request for their continued support. It pointed out that the running costs of the Commission were covered by the State budget. 66. The Batwa were recognized as an ethnic group under the Constitution and did not suffer from any discrimination. With regard to protection for albinos, the delegation repeated that the perpetrators of offences against those persons received the maximum penalties. 67. The Philippines noted efforts by Burundi to improve its legal and institutional human rights framework and increase legal protection for women and children. It welcomed the second phase of the Strategic Framework for Growth and Poverty Reduction. The Philippines made a recommendation. 68. The Republic of Korea took note of the establishment of the NIHRC, the revised Criminal Code and the measures taken to protect albinos. Burundi was encouraged to transform plans into actions. The Republic of Korea made recommendations. 69. The Republic of Moldova appreciated the strengthened institutional framework for human rights, including the NIHRC, and noted the willingness of Burundi to combat impunity. Work to improve children’s rights was welcomed. The Republic of Moldova made recommendations. 70. Romania took note of positive developments in Burundi. Despite the remaining challenges, Romania hoped that reform projects would be pursued without delay and encouraged further work to improve the situation of women. Romania made recommendations. 71. Rwanda welcomed action for gender equality, notably the 30 per cent quota for women in decision-making bodies. It highlighted reforms to the business climate; poverty reduction and job creation; the new Ombudsman; and access to basic services. Rwanda made a recommendation. 72. Senegal noted achievements, notably in the justice, education and health sectors. It also noted measures to eliminate violence against women and increase their involvement in decision-making, and to provide free education. Senegal made recommendations. 73. Singapore welcomed the legislative and institutional reforms made by Burundi with respect to the rule of law, and the legislative and administrative measures to protect children, particularly the national plan of action to eliminate child labour and the national strategy to combat the phenomenon of street children. It made recommendations. 74. Slovakia acknowledged the abolition of the death penalty. It noted the establishment of the Child and Family Department within the Ministry of National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender. It made recommendations. GE.13-12565 9