A/HRC/11/37 before the adoption of the outcome by the plenary to questions or issues that were not sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group (see also A/HRC/11/24/Add.1). 1. Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or conclusions as well as on its voluntary commitments and the outcome 484. The Minister of State for Justice thanked all countries that contributed to the reelection of Senegal to the Council, and assured that Senegal would be fully dedicated to contribute to the implementation of the Council’s mandate. Senegal recalled that it had accepted 30 recommendations in February 2009 and had produced a document to reply to 10 other recommendations, the status of which was pending. 485. Senegal recalled that homosexuality was not a crime in Senegal, although article 319 of the penal code criminalized impure acts or unnatural acts with another person of the same sex. The Minister stated that most of the Senegalese people were hostile to homosexuality in the manner in which it was manifested in some societies. Ignoring this reality could lead to extremist attitudes. Therefore, Senegal intended to tackle this issue with serenity and moderation. Nobody was currently in detention on the basis of article 319 of the penal code since the Court of Appeal of Dakar had ruled that those who had been arrested on this basis a few months earlier should be released immediately. 486. The above-mentioned case was further proof of the independence of the judiciary. The delegation stated that the recommendation made on the separation of powers was already effective in Senegal, which was a law-abiding State. In order to reinforce the independence of the judiciary, a review of the Organic Law 92–27 was ongoing. It aimed at amending several provisions regarding the statute of magistrates, particularly with regard to the fact that they could not be removed, disciplinary measures and revocation. 487. Senegal recalled that fundamental freedoms, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, were guaranteed in the Constitution and that the recommendation on this issue would be a new incentive to better protect these freedoms. Senegal recalled that the recommendation on non-discrimination against women and their access to education and health were in accordance with the State’s voluntary policies on health and education, as were legislative and other measures to fight against gender discrimination, including the ongoing national strategy on gender equality and equity for the period 2005–2015. 488. With regard to a standing invitation to special procedures, Senegal recalled its readiness to accept formal invitations and its full collaboration with mandate holders. 489. In conclusion, Senegal expressed its deep belief in the need for the involvement of non-governmental organizations in human rights and their dialogue with States, as well as the refusal of impunity, which was essential to the promotion and protection of human rights and was not negotiable. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 490. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the comprehensive policies implemented by Senegal in vital human rights areas, such as the alleviation of poverty, the empowerment of women and the rights of children. It commended the Government for its efforts to give priority to education. It noted that Senegal played a pivotal role in interreligious and intercultural dialogue and was a symbol of coexistence and tolerance. It pointed out the commitment of Senegal to continue the implementation of universal periodic review recommendations and acknowledged its achievements. 132 GE.09-16766