A/HRC/15/2 47. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland regretted the loss of life and remained concerned about potential further violence. It noted reports of land seizures targeting non-ethnic Kyrgyz citizens. It acknowledged actions to promote reconciliation and urged Kyrgyzstan to work with the international community. It welcomed the abolition of the death penalty but noted allegations involving widespread torture and concerns about media freedom. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 48. Mexico expressed concern at the instability in Kyrgyzstan and stressed that the de facto authorities were responsible for ensuring the protection of human rights. Mexico called for the re-establishment of democratic and constitutional order and expressed confidence that a constitutional referendum and parliamentary elections would be held promptly. It urged the Government to set dates for such elections. Mexico made recommendations. 49. Lithuania regretted the loss of life during recent events and remained concerned at the fragile situation in the country. Lithuania welcomed the provisional Government’s engagement with the United Nations. Lithuania was particularly concerned by child labour in radioactive waste dumps, which must be discontinued as a matter of priority. Lithuania made recommendations. 50. Canada appreciated the commitment of the provisional Government to human rights, as well as the launching of the Plan of Action to Decrease and Prevent Statelessness. It expressed concern about allegations involving attacks against journalists and recent media blackouts, as well as ongoing abuses related to women’s rights. It was troubled by reports of widespread torture. Canada made recommendations. 51. Kyrgyzstan confirmed that a referendum was planned for June and that elections would be held in October 2010. Concerning questions about the 2009 elections, Kyrgyzstan noted that, under its laws, access to the Electoral Commission was open, relevant stakeholders as well as the media were able to attend its meetings, and its decisions were published in the media. Kyrgyzstan explained that an automated system had been established for voter registration and for the provision of information about the electoral process. The provisional Government would establish a commission in order to ensure a transparent electoral process, with full participation on the part of civil society and the political parties. 52. With regard to the judiciary, Kyrgyzstan noted that, since its independence, a comprehensive judicial system had been established and that interference with the judiciary was prohibited by the Constitution. However, further measures would need to be taken to strengthen the judiciary and its independence. The first step taken by the provisional Government had been aimed at the reform of the Constitutional Court. This would be followed by measures to strengthen the independence of the judiciary. 53. Regarding the issue of children’s rights, Kyrgyzstan rejected the view that corporal punishment was permitted in Kyrgyzstan, noting that corporal punishment and the infliction of physical or moral suffering on children was prohibited by law. Accordingly, cases of violence against children were duly investigated and prosecuted. A system of juvenile justice was in the process of being established, and special measures had been taken to assist children in conflict with the law. A draft law on juvenile justice, as well as amendments to other relevant legislation, had been formulated by a special working group. In addition, a major study on domestic violence had been carried out in 2009 together with UNICEF. The study would serve as the basis for the formulation of additional amendments to laws, as well as plans of action to eradicate violence against children. There were also plans to seek alternatives to detaining children in conflict with the law; these included programmes in special schools, such as rehabilitation programmes and therapy, as well as active work with families. As part of a pilot project, further work would be carried out with 9