A/HRC/10/79 Page 10 activities of people of all faiths are severely restricted despite article 11 of the Constitution, and enquired how the Government effectively ensures religious tolerance and non-discrimination. Denmark recommended that the Government step up its efforts to eradicate impunity for torture and other ill treatment, and initiate thorough, impartial and independent investigations into all such allegations, bringing perpetrators to justice; step up its efforts to comply with its international human rights obligations and end discrimination against ethnic minorities so that they are able to carry out peaceful activities without harassment, threat of detention or imprisonment; and seriously consider issuing an invitation to the Special Rapporteur on torture. 36. Sweden noted that although some progress has been made in the democratization of Turkmenistan, it was concerned that serious human rights problems remain, especially concerning freedom of expression and of assembly, and human rights defenders, who face the risk of arbitrary detention. Sweden also noted that consensual sexual activity between persons of the same sex is forbidden by law and asked whether the Government planned to change or repeal that law. Sweden recommended that the Government (a) intensify its efforts and take appropriate measures to guarantee the right to opinion, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly; (b) consider legislation and/or additional policy measures to promote tolerance and nondiscrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons; and (c) take measures to eliminate torture and other cruel, inhuman degrading treatment or punishment in places of detention. 37. Norway commended the recent democratic reform initiatives in Turkmenistan. Nevertheless, it was concerned by a continued pattern of intimidation of human rights defenders, journalists and their relatives. Norway recommended that Turkmenistan (a) protect the human rights of journalists and human rights defenders and ensure that they are able to carry out their peaceful activities without harassment, threat of detention or imprisonment, in conformity with international human rights law and standards; (b) respect the right of everyone to be free to leave and return to their own country, in conformity with article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and (c) revoke any existing travel bans on human rights defenders. Furthermore, it recommended that Turkmenistan guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and information of its citizens, in conformity with article 19 of the Covenant, and thus ensure that the media is able to operate without interference. 38. Pakistan noted that the clear schedule for reports to be submitted to treaty bodies and the creation of an inter-ministerial commission for the preparation of these reports reflected the Government’s commitment to working with human rights mechanisms. Pakistan appreciated the inclusive approach of the Government in working with civil society on addressing all issues of human rights. It commended the efforts of the Government in the context of the joint programme of OHCHR, UNDP and the European Commission in strengthening national capacity of the promotion and protection of human rights. 39. Malaysia observed that Turkmenistan is trying its best to ensure that the delicate balance is preserved in its implementation of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Malaysia recommended that the Government continue its efforts to see through its reform agenda, as stipulated in its newly adopted Constitution; consider continuing its close cooperation with the various mechanisms and special procedures of the Council, with a view to achieving incremental improvements in the human rights situation; and continue to strike a balance between the implementation of all rights.