A/HRC/10/29 reconciliation among the different components of society. The number of recommendations accepted by Burundi demonstrated its firm commitment to engage seriously in the universal periodic review. A number of obligations arose from the recommendations that Burundi had accepted. Therefore, Algeria, together with many other countries, reiterated its appeal to the international community to increase its support for Burundi to enable it to meet its commitment to promote and protect human rights in all circumstances and in accordance with its national priorities. 314. Senegal reiterated that it had welcomed, in December 2008, Burundi’s efforts to promote and protect human rights, highlighting in particular the measures taken for women and children. Senegal stressed that acceptance by Burundi of recommendations concerning vulnerable groups demonstrated its willingness to improve the situation of these groups and to allow them to fully enjoy their rights. It further encouraged Burundi to effectively implement those recommendations and requested technical assistance for this purpose where needed. 315. The United States of America deeply respected the determination of the people of Burundi to escape the devastating remnants of civil war and to build a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society for future generations. In this regard, it supported the recommendation that Burundi increase its efforts to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate children involved in armed conflict. The Government’s commitment to promote education was evident in the 69 per cent increase in enrolment in primary education in the country from 2005 to 2008. With respect to recommendations on concerns about recent increases in sexual violence and rape in Burundi, the United States appreciated the fact that some 500 individuals, including Government officials, were serving sentences for rape or assault, and hoped that impunity for sexual violence, including spousal rape, would continue to be addressed. Other recommendations reflected concern about freedoms of association, expression, opinion and peaceful assembly. While noting that Burundi had an active civil society, the United States emphasized the important role played by independent journalists, political parties and civil society organizations in ensuring free and fair elections in 2010. It looked forward to the establishment of an independent national human rights commission and offered its support to Burundi in efforts to promote human rights and democracy. 316. Nigeria thanked Burundi for its presentation and was glad to note that Burundi had accepted most of the recommendations made, including that of Nigeria to intensify efforts to uphold the respect of the rule of law and reform the judicial system. Nigeria hoped that Burundi would improve greatly its human rights record, with the support and cooperation of the international community, by the second cycle of the universal periodic review. 317. Djibouti noted that, following the deep institutional and political crisis of recent years, Burundi was now in transition and was making efforts to establish and build a viable and sustainable democratic society. Djibouti welcomed the efforts made by Burundi to work with the universal periodic review mechanism and appealed to the Council to help Burundi in the peace and reconstruction process. 318. Burkina Faso commended Burundi for the acceptance of recommendations made under the universal periodic review. It noted with satisfaction the continuing improvement in the human rights situation in Burundi despite the country’s crisis. It noted in particular the initiatives taken in the field of primary education and health care for children under the age of 5, as well as the progress in promoting and protecting women’s rights. It also noted the exemplary cooperation of Burundi with the international community, and particularly with United Nations human rights mechanisms. Burkina Faso reiterated its support for appeals to the international community to support Burundi’s efforts in implementing the recommendations arising from the review. GE.09-17451 135