A/HRC/10/79 Page 8 expressed its appreciation for the “open-door” policy adopted by Turkmenistan with regard to its foreign policy and the great importance it attached to international commitments. 28. Mexico recommended that the Government submit its periodic reports as soon as possible and establish mechanisms for the implementation of recommendations with the participation of civil society. Mexico noted the State’s efforts to attend to refugees in its territory and asked what measures are being adopted to guarantee the human rights of ethnic minorities. Mexico also requested information on efforts to promote the activities of civil society organizations and recommended that Turkmenistan strengthen measures to promote freedom of association and take measures to guarantee the full exercise of the right to freedom of expression, including the right of access to public information by civil society organizations and individual citizens. 29. Canada encouraged the Government’s continued cooperation with the Council. Canada recommended that Turkmenistan (a) ensure that opposition parties are allowed to participate freely in the political process without fear of retribution; (b) remove restrictions on the ability of journalists to report and criticize Government policy freely, without fear of repression; (c) end the practice of governmental appointment of editors and senior managers to all media outlets in the country and thus foster a more independent media; (d) hold an independent inquiry into the death in prison of journalist Ogulsapar Muradova in September 2006; (e) remove constraints on civil society groups and human rights defenders; (f) abolish the system of registration for nongovernmental organizations working in the country; and (g) release all political prisoners, including Valery Pal, Gulgeldy Annaniazov, Annakurban Amankylchev, Sapardurdy Khajiev and Mukhetkuli Aymuradov, and account for those prisoners whose fate is unknown. Canada expressed concern about reports of unfair and closed trials, which, as the OSCE rapporteur to Turkmenistan concluded in 2003, were in breach of all the most fundamental principles of the rule of law. It recommended that the Government bring its laws into line with articles 14 and 15 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Canada expressed concern that Turkmenistan has been unable to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS and recommended that the Government take a proactive approach to combating HIV/AIDS through educational and awareness programmes for both the general public and drug users. Noting the Government’s willingness to re-engage with the international community and work harder to respect human rights, Canada encouraged the Government to continue with these positive developments. 30. Slovenia commended the visit by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, but was concerned about a large number of pending visit requests by special procedures. It recommended that the Government respond to all pending requests positively without further delay and asked if it considers issuing a standing invitation to special procedures. Slovenia enquired about the Government’s recognition of conscientious objection to military service. It recommended that Turkmenistan recognize this and stop prosecuting, imprisoning and repeatedly punishing conscientious objectors. Although Turkmenistan has acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Slovenia noted that many women’s human rights issues still cause great concern, such as the practice of arranged marriages, violence against women and discrimination against divorced women. It enquired about actions to improve the situation and better protect victims of these practices. Slovenia recommended that the Government cooperate closely with UNICEF and OHCHR in the protection of the rights of the child. It enquired about the Government’s plans to seek technical assistance and capacity-building from OHCHR, and encouraged it to consider this possibility.