A/HRC/15/13 48. Armenia stated that while certain advances were made in Turkey with regard to ensuring human rights, it deemed important to underline several measures that would help to bring Turkey’s human rights record in line with its international obligations. It stated that persistence of violence against women and children was disconcerting and welcomed the adoption of the National Action Plan on Combating Human Trafficking. Armenia also welcomed changes occurred in the Turkish society toward enquiring into the past. Armenia made recommendations. 49. Palestine, referring to, inter alia, discrimination, gender equality and refugee protection, noted efforts to reform the judicial system, to establish a national human rights institution and to ratify international human rights instruments. Palestine acknowledged efforts to strengthen the dialogue between civilizations. It made a recommendation. 50. Norway appreciated the focus on the implementation of national reforms as suggested in the national report. It mentioned the visit carried out in 2004 by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders. It noted reports on violations of the fundamental rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. Norway made recommendations. 51. The Russian Federation noted with appreciation Turkey’s efforts to bring legislation into line with international human rights standards. It noted progress in, inter alia, implementing economic, social and cultural rights and reducing the illiteracy rate. The Russian Federation noted the special attention devoted to combating the trafficking in human beings. It made recommendations. 52. Chile recognized Turkey’s efforts to respect and promote human rights. Chile made recommendations. 53. Egypt noted efforts made in the areas of the right to education and the protection of the rights of women and children, in particular the fight against child labour, programmes aimed at enhancing gender equality and combating violence against women, and efforts to combat the trafficking in persons. Egypt made recommendations. 54. Pakistan noted measures to strengthen constitutional guarantees ensuring equality of treatment, non-discrimination and respect for human rights. A legal reform package had resulted in achievements regarding freedom of expression and association, religion, the judiciary and the fight against corruption. Pakistan sought information about the coordination of the work of human rights bodies and their interaction with State bodies. Pakistan made a recommendation. 55. Bangladesh recognized Turkey’s efforts to reform its legal framework, including the criminal justice system, and the balance between addressing incitement to social, racial, religion or regional hatred and maintaining high standards of freedom of expression. Bangladesh highlighted progress in poverty alleviation and access to basic services. It made recommendations. 56. Spain recognized the crucial role played by Turkey in the dialogue and understanding among religions and cultures. It noted the Turkish decision to abolish the death penalty for all crimes and the possibility of the prompt ratification of OPCAT. Spain made recommendations. 57. Canada applauded Turkey’s withdrawal of its reservations and declaration regarding CEDAW, as well as a parliamentary commission on gender equality. It noted concerns raised by regional organizations and mechanisms with respect to the restrictive interpretation of religious and ethnic minorities and to Turkish Internet law. Canada made recommendations. 8