A/HRC/10/79
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Rights of the Child and other treaty bodies. Hungary also requested information on measures
planned to guarantee the safe and secure activity of human rights defenders.
50.
Bangladesh noted with appreciation the firm commitment of the Government to improve
human rights and its cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanism in recent years.
As a developing country, Turkmenistan faces many challenges. It needs to make progress in the
socio-economic conditions of its people in order to realize the full enjoyment of human rights,
particularly economic, social and cultural rights in an incremental manner. Bangladesh
appreciated the extension of the provision to provide free utility services until 2020. Free
medical care for children and education up to secondary level are examples of good practices
that could be followed in countries of a comparable milieu. Bangladesh recommended that the
Government continue to cooperate with human rights mechanisms to improve the human rights
situation; and continue to improve the situation of education in line with recent relevant reforms.
51.
Uruguay praised Turkmenistan for having ratified a series of international human rights
and that in 2007 it received the High Commissioner. Uruguay recommended that Turkmenistan
cooperate with special procedures and OHCHR by authorizing and facilitating the visits of
specific special procedures and by responding to the questionnaires and questions of mandateholders. Uruguay also recommended that Turkmenistan urgently undertake a campaign and
initiate programmes aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination against women, de jure and
de facto, and that all norms and practices that lead to the discrimination of members of national
minorities, such as Russians, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Turks and Kurds, be eliminated.
52.
The delegate from Turkmenistan thanked all the delegates who praised the preparation of
the national report and its presentation, and answered the questions raised.
53.
With respect to observance of the rights of the child and reforming juvenile justice, she
cited the State’s cooperation with UNICEF. Turkmenistan has completed a review of its
legislation on minors in court and that an inter-agency commission, including representatives of
the legislature and law enforcement authorities, has been established for the implementation of
international human rights obligations. Cooperation with UNICEF also resulted in a tour to the
United Kingdom to review the juvenile justice system there. Turkmenistan is preparing an
assessment of its legislation on juvenile justice and has conducted an expert assessment of
institutional structures dealing with juvenile justice. It is also preparing proposals for Parliament
for the decriminalization of offences by minors and for the establishment of special structures to
judge them.
54.
Turkmenistan adopted a special law on human trafficking, particularly involving women
and children, in 2007. The State has already acceded to all core international conventions on
combating human trafficking, as well as to the Palermo Protocols, and has adopted a decree to
combat trafficking in persons. Turkmenistan is also preparing a specific proposal to criminalize
trafficking-related offences and is cooperating with UNICEF in this regard.
55.
On the recommendations that it ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal
Court, in 2008, Turkmenistan, at the initiative of the European Union, conducted a special
seminar for parliamentary and Government representatives to ensure awareness of the Statute.
56.
Turkmenistan explained that the new Constitution proclaims the right to freedom of
conviction and of expression and freedom of information where information is not a State secret.
A special sitting of the cabinet of ministers has been held, devoted to reforming the activities of
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