Ashgabat, July 25, 2024, The Europe Today: On July 22, the UN Human Rights Office for Central Asia, in collaboration with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Ashgabat, held a comprehensive briefing on the recommendations provided to Turkmenistan within the framework of the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
Dmitry Shlapachenko, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, highlighted the crucial role of the UPR in advancing the Agenda for Sustainable Development, Peace and Security, and Human Rights at the national level. He emphasized the UN’s call for a coordinated and holistic approach to implementing the UPR recommendations, noting that the UN system in Turkmenistan is prepared to offer comprehensive support in this endeavor, as the adopted recommendations address issues pertinent to all UN agencies.
Following the briefing, on July 23, the UN Human Rights Office conducted a workshop focused on practical experiences in implementing UPR recommendations for members of the Interdepartmental Commission working on Turkmenistan’s human rights and international humanitarian law obligations. During the workshop, the OHCHR Office shared best practices from other countries, and participants discussed practical approaches to developing a roadmap for implementing the recommendations.
Matilda Bogner, OHCHR Regional Representative for Central Asia, noted during the workshop that the recommendations encompass a broad range of issues, including non-discrimination, freedom from torture, the right to a fair trial, strengthening national human rights institutions, and improving human rights for vulnerable groups.
In the 4th UPR cycle held in November 2023, Turkmenistan accepted 146 out of 228 recommendations. In February, the country also received recommendations from the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women after submitting its sixth periodic national report, according to an OHCHR press release.
These initiatives underscore the UN’s commitment to supporting Turkmenistan in enhancing its human rights practices and aligning with international standards.
