A/HRC/39/7 2017, a total of 262 people had been acquitted, up from only 4 people in 2016. Moreover, acquittals or non-custodial sentences had been handed down in high-profile trials of independent journalists and human rights defenders accused of undermining the constitutional order. 9. Civil society reforms concerning non-governmental organizations (NGOs) included the elimination of unjustifiably restrictive registration procedures for them, exemption from 10 types of taxes, removal of the restriction on opening bank accounts and the introduction of electronic registration. More than 9,200 NGOs were active in Uzbekistan, and rent-free “NGO houses” had been established for their use. 10. With regard to corruption, a new law on State procurement had been designed to enhance transparency in public procurement and eradicate corruption. 11. Established in 2017, the Office of the Business Ombudsperson was a non-judicial body created to protect the rights of entrepreneurs. It was independent of government bodies and officials and answerable only to the Constitution and laws. Its activities and tasks, regulated by a law adopted in August 2017, were to shape State policy to help to defend and develop entrepreneurship, to ensure that State bodies respected entrepreneurs’ rights, to provide legal support to entrepreneurs, and to guarantee freedom of entrepreneurship. It had already examined more than 1,500 complaints, and a helpline and a website had also been created to communicate with entrepreneurs. With regard to proposals to restore entrepreneurs’ rights, out of 20 cases, there had been 8 warnings and 2 lawsuits for S500,000. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 12. During the interactive dialogue, 77 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are contained in section II of the present report. 13. Belgium welcomed the release of several political prisoners and the easing of some restrictions on freedom of expression. It noted, however, the significant gap between the international obligations of Uzbekistan and their implementation on the ground. 14. Argentina commended Uzbekistan for having adopted its action strategy on five priority areas of development. 15. Bulgaria encouraged Uzbekistan to take steps to implement the new legislation and public policies, and to enhance the independence and effectiveness of the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) in conformity with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles). 16. While commending Uzbekistan for addressing human rights challenges, including child labour in the cotton sector, Canada expressed hope that Uzbekistan would continue its progress in addressing harassment of persons, including of civil society actors and journalists. 17. Chile appreciated the State’s cooperation with the United Nations and the various constitutional amendments made to broaden rights and the protection of freedoms. It regretted the suspension of registration of international human rights organizations. Chile noted the absence of women in the delegation of the State under review. 18. China welcomed the efforts made by Uzbekistan to promote and protect human rights, including the progress witnessed in economic and social development, poverty reduction, the raising of living standards, gender equality and promotion of the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable sectors of society. 19. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the State’s strengthened cooperation with OHCHR and human rights mechanisms. It encouraged Uzbekistan to strengthen its legislative framework for human rights, in particular for the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities and migrants. 20. Cuba welcomed the measures taken to strengthen women’s rights and the judiciary, and highlighted the improved quality of education witnessed at all levels. 3