A/HRC/10/79 Page 5 United Nations treaty bodies and also on questions of implementing international standards in national legislation. 15. Turkmenistan is a socially oriented State. The new Government’s domestic and foreign policy is oriented to ensure an adequate living standard for its citizens and proper rights and freedoms, adequate democratic processes, building civil society and proper implementation of international obligations. These orientations are the basis for active, positive and constructive dialogue with United Nations agencies and treaty bodies and with other international organizations. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 16. During the interactive dialogue, statements were made by 35 delegations. A number of delegations commended the State’s ratification of most major human rights instruments. Recent positive developments and reforms were also noted by a number of delegations, such as the unanimous decision by the People’s Council to adopt the new Constitution, which provides for the clear separation of powers between the executive and legislature and the establishment of an inter-ministerial commission on treaty body reporting. A number of countries also welcomed the State’s cooperation with the Human Rights Council and other international bodies and mechanisms. 17. France was concerned at the lack of independence of the judiciary and the corruption in that area. It noted that cases of torture and ill treatment are widespread and that human rights defenders are subject to harassment and intimidation. France requested further information on the work of the State commission responsible for examining complaints of abuses by the police and security forces. It noted that the right to freedom of religion is limited and asked about measures to combat all forms of religious intolerance. France stressed that the Committee on the Rights of the Child was concerned at the absence of legislation explicitly banning trafficking in persons. It recommended implementing the provisions of the Palermo Protocols ratified by Turkmenistan. France also recommended that the State adopt all necessary measures to liberalize and the media and ensure pluralism in order to promote full freedom of the press. France was concerned about the restrictions faced by civil society organizations when exercising the right to peaceful assembly. It recommended that Turkmenistan take steps to guarantee the right to associate and work freely for human rights defenders, in conformity with the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. France also recommended ratifying the Rome Statue of the International Criminal Court. 18. Turkey noted the State’s increasing cooperation with international organizations in the field of human rights. It further noted that the adoption of a timetable for the preparation and submission of reports to treaty bodies is a significant step to that end. Turkey encouraged Turkmenistan to continue its endeavours to further this cooperation. It enquired about policies to prevent human trafficking. 19. Switzerland welcomed the visit of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief and recommended that a standing invitation be addressed to all special procedures of the Council. It noted with appreciation that domestic legislation provides for gender equality and recommended that Turkmenistan put in place and apply sanctions against the perpetrators of domestic violence. It also recommended implementing the recommendations made by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in 2006, inviting Turkmenistan