A/HRC/10/71
page 16
72. A national policy for orphans and vulnerable children had been adopted by the Council of
Ministers, and was to be implemented as part of a national plan.
73. The representative of Burundi said that, even though sexual violence had not been
completely stamped out, 500 individuals, including some State officials, were serving sentences
for rape or indecent assault. Even though torture was not an offence under the current Criminal
Code, physical assault was punished and 20 police officers were currently in jail for aggravated
assault.
74. The Government had negotiated ceasefire agreements with the Palipehutu-FNL and a
summit of the heads of State in the region, to be chaired by South Africa, would take place
on 4 December 2008 to resolve two remaining questions in the presence of mediators.
75. With regard to freedom of assembly, the ordinance of the Ministry of the Interior
authorizing political meetings had been revised to stipulate that the administrative authorities
should be given prior notification solely for security reasons.
76. The representative of Burundi said that it was regrettable that some representatives of
political parties, workers and journalists had been arrested. However, they had not been arrested
because of their status.
77. Several measures had been adopted to strengthen the independence of the judiciary,
including a pay rise for judges. Likewise, capacity-building measures and institutional support
were being implemented, and a conference on the justice system was being prepared with a view
to reforming the justice sector. An anti-corruption law had been adopted and an anti-corruption
unit set up.
78. Finally, the representative of Burundi pointed out that the National Employment
Observatory was being set up to satisfy training and employment needs.
79. In conclusion, the representative of Burundi thanked the speakers for their
recommendations encouraging Burundi to establish the true rule of law. She invited the
international community to support Burundi in the protection and promotion of human rights in
Burundi.
II. CONCLUSIONS AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS
80. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue have been
examined by Burundi. The recommendations listed below enjoy the support of Burundi:
1.
Consider ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and
the Optional Protocol thereto (Mexico);
2.
Consider ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All
Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Mexico, Argentina) and accept the
competence of the relevant committee (Argentina);
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