A/HRC/24/3 87. Nicaragua congratulated Turkmenistan for adopting new laws, ratifying international instruments, and developing strategies for poverty eradication. Nicaragua highlighted the efforts of Turkmenistan to continue cooperating with human rights mechanisms. Nicaragua encouraged Turkmenistan to continue promoting gender policy. Nicaragua made a recommendation. 88. Nigeria commended Turkmenistan for the progress made in promoting and protecting human rights in the country. It made recommendations. 89. Norway welcomed the new Mass Media Act and the ratification of OP-CEDAW. It expressed concern at the recurring problem of domestic violence and continued imprisonment of dissidents, journalists and civil activists. Norway made recommendations 90. Oman stated that Turkmenistan was a party to many basic human rights instruments and that it had also revised the Constitution, which showed its commitment to human rights and determination to make extensive reforms and fulfil international obligations. Oman made a recommendation. 91. Pakistan highlighted the efforts of Turkmenistan to amend and adopt new legislation to meet its obligations under CAT, CEDAW, the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and CRPD. It expressed appreciation for the Social Protection Code. It made recommendations. 92. Paraguay welcomed the legislative developments in ensuring due process; the effective application of habeas corpus and the reform of criminal procedure. Paraguay encouraged Turkmenistan to continue broadly guaranteeing human rights, particularly ensuring compliance with recommendations made by CAT, CEDAW and ILO. Paraguay made a recommendation. 93. Poland asked what measures had been taken to implement the 2011 recommendations by CAT regarding improvement of detention conditions. It emphasized the Turkmenistan Government’s responsibility to guarantee the right of individuals to freedom of opinion. Poland made recommendations. 94. Qatar noted the institutional and legislative reforms by Turkmenistan to promote and protect human rights. It also noted progress in implementing the recommendations of the Human Rights Council and cooperation with the treaty bodies. It welcomed the initiative to promote the rights of children and of persons with disabilities. Qatar made a recommendation. 95. The Republic of Moldova commended Turkmenistan for developing its capacity to promote and protect human rights and for improving its interaction with the United Nations treaty bodies including through implementation of projects. It acknowledged steps undertaken to ensure gender equality. It made recommendations. 96. Being a secular State, Turkmenistan strove to achieve mutual understanding and tolerance among various religious groups. There had been 128 religious organizations functioning in the country. The Government had been analysing the recommendations made by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion in order to further improve domestic legislation. 97. The delegation reported that 240 NGOs operate in the country and no refusal of a request for registration had occurred during the reporting period. Public associations had been carrying out their activities without obstacles. 98. The delegation stated that progress in socio-economic development of the country was remarkable, especially in the area of investments and in housing in the rural areas. The Government planned to modernize 15 different areas of infrastructure, including health 12