A/HRC/22/16 77. Regarding the judiciary, Minister Samarasinghe of Sri Lanka said that the Constitution provided for the impeachment of a judge. One third of the Members of Parliament have to sign a resolution identifying grounds for removal, which has to be handed over to the Speaker. Thereafter a Select Committee of Parliament was constituted from among Members of both sides of the House and a resolution then had to be adopted by a Parliamentary majority, after which removal was permitted. Due process would be followed. 78. On elections, Minister Samarasinghe said that Sri Lanka wanted to give democratic rights to people of the North. Thirty-two (32) out of 34 local government authorities in the North had been elected. An elected Provincial Council for the North was envisaged for 2013. 79. Ireland commended Sri Lanka on progress in implementing commitments made during the 2008 UPR and urged that remaining detainees be tried or begin reintegration process. It expressed concern about the prevention against terrorism act. It urged full respect for the independence of the judiciary. Ireland made recommendations. 80. Italy recognized progress achieved by Sri Lanka, however, several human rights concerns still remain, such as forced disappearances and torture, etc. and asked Sri Lanka which policies and initiatives it envisages to address these challenges. Italy made recommendations. 81. Japan welcomed the NHRAP and the National Plan of Action to implement LLRC recommendations. It expressed hope that Sri Lanka would continue efforts to engage with the international community, including a visit by the High Commissioner. Japan made recommendations. 82. Kazakhstan recognized Sri Lanka’s implementation of the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act and the establishment of the National Child Protection Authority to secure the rights of women and children. It made recommendations. 83. Kenya commended ratification of seven core international human rights instruments. It asked what steps Sri Lanka was taking to address concerns on access to full enjoyment of religious freedom for certain religious minority groups. Kenya made a recommendation. 84. Kuwait commended the efforts to implement the NHRAP. It recognized the important developments in spite of 30 years of conflict and the stability brought to all segments of society, such as the resettlement of IDPs, clearing landmines and achieving some of the MDGs. Kuwait made recommendations. 85. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic congratulated Sri Lanka on integrating MDGs into their national development agenda. It noted its accession to seven core human rights treaties and implementation of domestic legislation. 86. Latvia noted Sri Lanka’s efforts to improve cooperation with the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, yet noted that a number of requests by mandate holders to visit Sri Lanka had not yet been accepted. It made recommendations. 87. Lebanon commended Sri Lanka on establishing the national action plan. It noted Sri Lanka’s commitment to safeguarding human rights. It made a recommendation. 88. Malaysia expressed hope that Sri Lanka’s claims of efforts to protect human rights were sincere. It called for genuine effort at reconciliation. It called for both communities to work out the problem without interference from outsiders. It made recommendations. 89. Maldives expressed understanding of the enormous challenges faced by Sri Lanka and the need for accountability for violations of human rights committed by all sides. It welcomed the NHRAP to implement LLRC recommendations. It made recommendations. 10