A/HRC/24/3 19. The Russian Federation noted progress achieved in the protection of human rights and the readiness of Turkmenistan to cooperate with international human rights mechanisms. It considered it important that Turkmenistan continued harmonizing its domestic legislation and practice with international human rights obligations. It made recommendations. 20. Saudi Arabia stated that Turkmenistan had joined over 120 international treaties and also become a member of many international organizations, which is a mark of appreciation from the international community for its efforts to make an effective contribution to global development. Saudi Arabia made a recommendation. 21. Senegal remarked on the accession of Turkmenistan to a number of international instruments and the adoption of legislative measures. It drew attention to measures to improve living standards and efforts to reduce disparities between urban and rural zones. Senegal made recommendations. 22. Singapore noted the improved environment for human rights provided by economic growth and efforts to reform the education system. The Children’s Rights Acts and the Young People’s Right to Work (Guarantees) Act were also noted. Singapore made recommendations. 23. Slovakia commended ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (OP-CEDAW), OP-CRPD and the 1945 and 1961 Conventions on statelessness, and welcomed the criminalization of human trafficking. It acknowledged the ongoing review of the education system. Slovakia made recommendations. 24. Slovenia welcomed cooperation with international partners, yet regretted poor progress regarding the freedoms of expression, assembly and association, and nondiscrimination against minorities. Turkmenistan had not yet taken a position on two previous recommendations by Slovenia. It made recommendations. 25. Spain noted the interest in improving compliance with international obligations by establishing, in cooperation with OHCHR, national reporting mechanisms. Spain took note of the national process of reflection on the invitation of special rapporteurs as well as efforts for economic and social development. Spain made recommendations. 26. Sri Lanka took note of enhanced engagement with United Nations organizations, accession to international instruments and legislation protecting human rights. The national programme for social and economic development and initiatives to strengthen social security were also noteworthy. It made recommendations. 27. The State of Palestine noted the efforts of Turkmenistan to improve the rights of children and women. It commended the election of Turkmenistan to ECOSOC. It also welcomed the efforts of Turkmenistan to combat human trafficking in the country. It made recommendations. 28. Sweden noted the Mass Media Act and requested information on the regulations for its practical implementation. Since conditions in detention facilities gave rise to concern, it asked what measures had been taken to improve the situation. Sweden made recommendations. 29. Switzerland reiterated concern at the cooperation of Turkmenistan with United Nations mechanisms and noted that free expression in the media, including on the Internet, was essential. Allegations of torture in places of detention were a cause of concern. Switzerland made recommendations. 30. Tajikistan welcomed the intentions of Turkmenistan to expand its contractual obligations and promote international dialogue. It took positive note of the strengthening of 6