A/HRC/39/3 although the National Action Plan on Human Rights included commitments to receiving visits by special procedure mandate holders, no such visits had taken place yet. It remained concerned about restrictions on freedom of association. 93. Italy commended Turkmenistan on the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson and the adoption of the national action plans on human rights, on gender equality and on combating trafficking in persons. 94. Kazakhstan expressed hope that the national action plans on human rights, on gender equality and on combating human trafficking would contribute to the improvement of human rights situation in the country. It noted with appreciation the establishment of the position of Commissioner for Human Rights and the engagement of Turkmenistan with the United Nations human rights treaty bodies. 95. Kyrgyzstan noted the extended list of human rights in the new Constitution and the efforts that had been made to protect the rights of women and eliminate the worst form of child labour. 96. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic commended Turkmenistan on the adoption of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for the period 2015–2020 and the National Action Plan on Human Rights for the period 2016–2020. 97. Latvia noted measures that had been taken by the Government and encouraged it to take further efforts in fulfilling human rights obligations. 98. Malaysia commended Turkmenistan on its efforts directed at socioeconomic development. It noted measures that had been taken by the Government to raise the awareness of government officials, young people, local authorities, law enforcement bodies and other relevant stakeholders in the field of human rights by holding regular talks, meetings and round-table discussions. 99. Maldives commended Turkmenistan for its implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and for adopting the State Guarantees of Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities for Women and Men Act. 100. Mexico commended Turkmenistan for the adoption in 2016 of the new Constitution, which included human rights provisions. It called upon the Government to ensure full compliance of the institution of the Commissioner for Human Rights with the Paris Principles. It also noted measures that had been taken to ensure gender equality. 101. Montenegro called upon the Government to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and to improve cooperation with the special procedures. It encouraged the Government to take additional measures to ensure the independence and effectiveness of the national human rights institution in accordance with Paris Principles. 102. Morocco welcomed the adoption in 2016 of the new constitution and the adoption of the Ombudsperson Act. It welcomed the Government’s efforts to protect and promote human rights. 103. Nepal noted the adoption in 2016 of the Ombudsperson Act, which enabled the establishment of the Commissioner for Human Rights. It believed that strengthening that institution and implementing the National Action Plan on Human Rights and the National Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons would enhance the protection and promotion of human rights. 104. Oman noted of the achievements Turkmenistan had made in all areas of human rights. It welcomed the adoption of the new Constitution, which included a section on human rights. 105. The delegation of Turkmenistan stated that the Government had cooperated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and OSCE on the access of international organizations to places of detention. Representatives of ICRC and of diplomatic missions and intergovernmental organizations, including the United Nations, had carried out visits to penitentiary institutions. 10