A/HRC/39/3 access restrictions had been identified, including on publishing information on local and foreign websites. 18. The delegation responded to a statement claiming there had been a ban on several thousand individuals, stating that such an assertion was incorrect and that restrictions exercised on exiting the country had been carried out in line with national legislation and in the interest of public security and the safety of individuals. 19. The delegation explained that the authorities had continued efforts to ensure the realization of the right to freedom of religion by maintaining regular contact with the representatives of religious organizations and by organizing meetings to bring together various religious organizations and churches. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 20. During the interactive dialogue, 74 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 21. The Netherlands welcomed the adoption by Turkmenistan of the National Action Plan for Gender Equality and the National Action Plan on Human Rights. It remained concerned about the continued pressure on human rights defenders and the media. 22. Nigeria commended Turkmenistan for its enactment of the Trafficking in Persons Act 2016 and for its efforts to combat trafficking in person, to ensure equality and nondiscrimination, to promote religious tolerance among its population and to strengthen the legal framework to bring it into compliance with international human rights standards. 23. Norway welcomed the participation of Turkmenistan in the universal periodic review. It remained concerned about the human rights situation in the country. 24. Paraguay recognized the important work done by the Interdepartmental Commission on Compliance with the International Obligations Undertaken by Turkmenistan in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, which served as a platform for follow-up to the recommendations received from various human rights bodies. 25. The Philippines congratulated Turkmenistan for the adoption in 2016 of its new Constitution, including new articles safeguarding civil rights and fundamental freedoms. It commended Turkmenistan for having ratified several human rights treaties and for its work in fighting trafficking in persons. 26. Poland welcomed the adoption of the 2016 Ombudsperson Act, which had established the rights, duties and authority of the Ombudsperson. It noted that the Ombudsperson should act independently and be granted with an adequate budget. 27. Portugal welcomed the adoption of the new Constitution and the fact that it included a new section on human rights and fundamental freedoms. It noted with appreciation the adoption of the national action plans on human rights, on gender equality and on combating trafficking in persons. 28. Qatar welcomed the report of Turkmenistan regarding the implementation of the recommendations received in the second cycle of the universal periodic review. It welcomed the adoption of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality and the National Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons. 29. The Republic of Korea noted the adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Rights and the strengthened human rights protections contained in the new Constitution, adopted in 2016. It also noted the active cooperation of Turkmenistan with the human rights treaty bodies. 30. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the adoption of national action plans on gender equality, on human rights and on combating trafficking in persons. It encouraged the Government to consolidate measures for the effective implementation of the abovementioned policies. It noted concerns expressed about the underrepresentation of women in public and private sectors. 4