A/HRC/39/3 at the reported use of excessive force by security forces, undue restrictions placed on the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, religion and movement, and at harsh prison conditions. It urged Turkmenistan to allow all individuals to exercise their right to freedom of expression. 45. Uruguay welcomed the measures Turkmenistan had implemented since its second review, in particular the adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Rights and measures for gender equality and the empowerment of women. 46. Uzbekistan welcomed the legal reforms in Turkmenistan and its adoption of laws aimed at strengthening the national human rights protection system. It noted the fact that Turkmenistan accorded particular attention to economic, social and cultural rights and the protection of the rights of children and women. 47. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended Turkmenistan for its social programmes for all, its commitment aimed to promote gender equality and the incorporation of the establishment of a national human rights institution in the Constitution. 48. Yemen welcomed the report of Turkmenistan regarding the implementation of the recommendations received in the previous universal periodic review. It commended Turkmenistan for its important efforts aimed at improving the human rights situation in the country. 49. Afghanistan noted the efforts of Turkmenistan in reforming its national system for the protection of human rights. It commended Turkmenistan for having submitted periodic reports to the human rights bodies, particularly the Human Rights Committee. 50. Algeria commended Turkmenistan for having ratified several international treaties. It noted with satisfaction the adoption in 2016 of the new Constitution, which included guarantees for human rights in compliance with international human rights law. 51. Argentina congratulated Turkmenistan for the adoption in 2016 of its new Constitution and for the establishment of a national human rights institution. It noted the effort of Turkmenistan aimed at improving the national legislation related to hate crimes. 52. Armenia welcomed the adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Rights, the National Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons and the National Action Plan on Gender Equality. It encouraged Turkmenistan to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights and to ratify human rights instruments. 53. Australia appreciated the steps Turkmenistan had taken aimed at establishing a national human rights institution through the Office of the Ombudsperson. It was concerned that civil and political rights were restricted in practice. It welcomed the introduction of a prison reform programme. 54. Austria welcomed an increase in number of projects Turkmenistan had undertaken with OSCE and the measures it had adopted to improve the legal and institutional framework. It noted that incommunicado detentions had recently been reported and asked Turkmenistan to give an update on its intentions to invite independent authorities, including international monitors, to visit prisons. 55. Azerbaijan praised Turkmenistan for its commitment to the universal periodic review and its active engagement with the human rights treaty bodies. It noted with appreciation the measures it had taken to promote gender equality in public administration. 56. Bangladesh commended Turkmenistan for having adopted in 2016 a new Constitution, with a focus on safeguarding human rights in line with its international human rights obligations. It also noted its adoption of laws and policy measures to combat corruption and human trafficking and those related to the education, housing and health sectors. 57. Belarus welcomed the adoption by Turkmenistan of a number of policy documents to ensure a holistic approach to the protection of human rights, including the National Action Plan on Human Rights and the National Action Plan on Gender Equality. It noted the efforts Turkmenistan had made to combat human trafficking, including the implementation of the National Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons. 6