A/HRC/10/71 page 12 Constitution and commitment to regional and international bodies. It recommended that the Government ratify (a) the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and (b) the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. 51. Japan commended Burundi for its efforts to promote peace and democracy since the 2005 elections and appreciated the country’s cooperation with the United Nations and international partners to protect and promote human rights. It was concerned about the increasing restriction of freedom of expression, such as the ministerial ordinance requiring political parties to obtain official permission to meet. Japan considered it essential that the elections planned for 2010 take place freely and fairly. Japan recommended that Burundi (a) do its utmost to ensure that political parties are safeguarded in the elections and (b) take further measures to fight against sexual violence against women and children. 52. Ireland welcomed the commitment of Burundi to establish a truth and reconciliation commission. It expressed concern, however, at the slow progress and recommended that Burundi use consultations to ensure that the commission and the special tribunal be established as soon as possible. Ireland welcomed information on measures against gender-based violence and recommended that Burundi improve the functioning and accessibility of the machinery available to victims of rape to ensure that those guilty are brought to justice and punished. While welcoming the decrease in reported cases of torture, Ireland noted worrying information that torture continues to be common. Ireland recommended that Burundi fully comply with the recommendations of the Committee against Torture and do its utmost to ensure that security forces operate within the framework of the rule of law. Ireland noted with concern recent developments regarding the opposition, and treatment of civil society and journalists and recommended that Burundi comply with the recommendations of the independent expert on allowing all political parties to carry out their political activities without undue restrictions. 53. Canada noted positive developments in consolidating peace and respect for the rule of law since the Arusha agreements. It noted allegations of the independent expert that basic freedoms of expression and assembly of political opponents have been restricted. It recommended that Burundi (a) end all restrictions on political activities and meetings and allow the registration of political parties, as recognized under the Constitution; (b) revoke the new Ministerial Order No. 530 of 6 October 2008 restricting political assembly; and (c) support the efforts to establish the procedures for transitional justice under the Arusha agreements, in particular setting methods for national consultations on traditional justice, as called for by the Security Council in its resolution 1606 (2005). 54. Burkina Faso stressed that Burundi has committed itself to democracy and national reconciliation. The initiatives taken to ensure the enjoyment of certain rights are encouraging and should be supported. Burkina Faso welcomed Burundi’s collaboration with human rights mechanisms. It fully supported the appeal to the international community to support efforts to promote the respect of human rights and ensure lasting peace. 55. Sweden recommended that Burundi intensify efforts to uphold respect for the rule of law by ensuring an independent and well functioning judicial system. While welcoming the relatively high representation of women in the Senate and Government, Sweden was concerned about the overall situation of discrimination against women and the increase of the already high number of