A/HRC/11/37 was no need, however, to establish new organizational structures to achieve this goal, as existing State bodies, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Public Prosecutor’s Office, would be used. 311. Judicial reform would continue, aiming to strengthen confidence in the administration of justice, enhance the quality and effectiveness of judicial review of court cases and the level of enforcement of decisions, and ensure the independence of judges. A new draft of the federal law on the administration of justice was being prepared, together with the development and implementation of procedures for prejudicial consideration of disputes. The State Duma of the Federal Assembly had approved the introduction of amendments in the federal constitutional law on the country’s judicial system, which provided, particularly, for the establishment of juvenile courts. 312. Further steps were planned to develop qualitatively the penitentiary system and improve conditions of detention. The President had issued an order to amend laws providing for alternative criminal sanctions that did not involve the deprivation of liberty. 313. The Russian Federation accepted all recommendations relating to interaction with non-governmental organizations and the protection of human rights defenders and journalists. It said the Presidential Council for its promotion of the development of civil society institutes and for human rights would continue to dialogue constructively with nongovernmental organizations to progressively develop legislation governing their activities, taking into account international standards. Possible legal amendments were being considered to regulate matters of, inter alia, taxation of non-governmental organizations and their interaction with State bodies. 314. Further measures were also envisioned to ensure the independence of mass media outlets and to develop a legal basis for their operation, particularly given the development of new technologies. A draft federal law had already been adopted in the first reading on guarantees of equality for parliamentary parties in reporting by State mass media. 315. The delegation stated that the Russian Federation, as one of the most multi-ethnic of States, would continue to protect the rights and freedoms of minorities and ethnic groups actively. Recommendations would be duly taken into account in the realization of concept papers for State national policy, national educational policy and the plan to implement priority areas in the general education system. It would continue to monitor the issue of mother-tongue education. 316. The Russian Federation would also continue to expand and strengthen international cooperation in human rights promotion and protection, developing non-confrontational dialogue on an equal footing in the interests of all States Members of the Council and in constructive interaction with OHCHR. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 317. Pakistan welcomed the Russian Federation’s detailed comments, prepared through wide consultation with stakeholders, reflecting the importance it attached to the universal periodic review from the very beginning. Pakistan was encouraged by Russia’s acceptance of the majority of the recommendations, including those made by Pakistan; this reflected Russia’s constructive attitude to human rights promotion and protection. It noted steps enumerated to reform different sectors, particularly the justice system. It wished Russia well in implementing the recommendations. 318. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) commended the Russian Federation for its inclusive approach to the universal periodic review, including the wide consultations carried out in preparing the national report, which reflected the contributions of all sectors 106 GE.09-16766

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