A/HRC/8/44 Page 5 the death penalty. Japan is not considering either granting a moratorium on executions or abolishing the death penalty. It was stressed that sentences of death are handed down only after very cautious trials by courts. 10. Responding to another question, the Delegation explained that those members of the general public called “saiban-in”, are to participate in deciding conviction or acquittal, and sentencing with equivalent weight being given to their opinion as to that of the professional judge from May 2009. It further indicated that sufficient explanation will be given by the professional judge to the “saiban-in” regarding legal knowledge and trial procedures before and throughout the trials. Under this new system, an appropriate decision is expected to be reached through discussions between judges and “saiban-in” and fair trials are expected to take place through cooperation between them. 11. On the question of civil society cooperation in the process of drafting the national report, the Delegation indicated, inter alia, that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted information on the UPR system and process on its website, and asked for opinions of NGOs and ordinary citizens about the government report and that as a result, it received opinions from 11 NGOs and 214 ordinary citizens. Additionally, the Delegation stated that Japan recognized that there was still room for improvement, and stated that in the international community, due to globalization and environmental changes, new challenges were being faced and that Japan will continue its contribution to achieve better results for the human rights in the international community, in close cooperation with the United Nations, regional communities, other national Governments, and civil society. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 12. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, statements were made by 42 delegations. Several delegations noted with appreciation and supported Japan’s initiatives to promote the human rights of people affected by leprosy. Numerous delegations also welcomed the initiatives taken by Japan to promote human rights education among civil servants. A number of delegations highlighted the international cooperation provided by Japan in various fields, including the socioeconomic sector. 13. Algeria recommended that Japan ensure that the interrogation of detainees in police custody or in substitute prisons are systematically monitored and recorded and that the Code of Criminal Procedure is harmonized with article 15 of the Convention against Torture (CAT). In accordance with article 14 (3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the right of defence to have access to all relevant material needs to be upheld. Algeria also recommended that Japan implement the calls by, inter alia, the Human Rights Committee and the Committee on the Rights of the Child to establish human rights institutions in accordance with the Paris Principles as soon as possible. Algeria recommended that Japan review, inter alia, the land rights and other rights of the Ainu population and harmonize it with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Algeria recommended that the procedures for reviewing asylum decisions be harmonized with CAT and other relevant human rights treaties, and that the State provide legal aid for migrants who need it. Algeria asked for information on how Japan proposes to address the issue of entertainment visas provided to women, as expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, as well as the issue of violence against women and girls. 14. While noting the efforts made by Japan to combat trafficking in women, the Philippines hoped that the Government will further enhance programmes aimed at redress and protection of the human rights of victims of trafficking and asked about the measures in place to address the demand factor in cases of trafficking of human beings. The Philippines also referred to the bill being