A/HRC/10/29 international cooperation partners in this area. At the end of 2008, work had also started on a new code of criminal procedure in line with international standards, including the 1955 United Nations Minimum Standards. A joint project was also being implemented with UNICEF on reforming the system of juvenile justice, including on places of detention for minors. 553. Another recommendation requested Turkmenistan to take measures to liberalize and pluralize media and to remove all restrictions on criticizing the Government, without fear of retaliation, and to end the practice of Government appointment of editors and managers of media. Turkmenistan provided information on a special cabinet of ministers meeting on 26 January 2009 that was devoted to reforming the activities of the media and, in that context, the need to improve media legislation and the question of specialist training were identified as important issues to be addressed. Information was also provided on other recent developments, such as the invitation of an expert from the BBC in 2008, plans for a series of activities including training sessions, seminars, round tables for representatives of the media, as well as practice abroad for specialists. Support for the media was also among the projects planned in the framework of joint cooperation between the Government and the OSCE centre in Ashgabat. Information was provided on, inter alia, a training course from 30 March to 3 April 2009 on activities of the media, for journalists, editors and staff of television and radio. The training would be given by journalists from Hungary, and the representative of OSCE on freedom of the media would intervene in the course. Together with USAID in Turkmenistan and Internews in Central Asia, cooperation was being planned regarding the improvement of laws regulating the media. A cycle of seminars in this context was starting in May 2009. 554. On the recommendation relating to the removal of restrictions on civil society organizations and human rights defenders, the delegation stated that civil society played an important role in political life in Turkmenistan. Non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, professional and creative unions actively took part in determining the economic, social and cultural policies of organs of the Government. Work was ongoing regarding the improvement of existing legislation on civil society organizations and its implementation in practice, and learning about international standards and experience from other countries in this field. International cooperation between Turkmenistan specialists and the International Centre for Not-for-Profit Law was taking place, with the support of USAID, aimed at preparing recommendations thereon. 555. Concerning the recommendation to recognize conscientious objection to military service and with respect to recognizing the right of persons renouncing military service on religious grounds, Turkmenistan provided information that conditions existed that allowed for guaranteeing the right to freedom of religion and the fulfilment of military duty by serving in non-military structures of the Ministry of Defence, such as medical and construction units. Turkmenistan also indicated that the process of improving the legislation on religious organizations was ongoing. Experts from the International Centre for Not-forProfit Law were currently examining the existing legislation regulating the functioning of religious organizations with regard to its conformity with international norms. An agreement had been reached with the Centre and USAID to hold a number of seminars and organize a presentation on the assessment, which was currently being made. The seminars were expected to bring together international experts and representatives from Parliament, the Ministry of Justice and other relevant bodies of Turkmenistan. Recommendations for legislative changes would be made based on the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur, a review of international standards, foreign legislation and the monitoring by the experts of the International Centre. GE.09-17451 177