The 17th Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union took place in Brussels on June 17. The parties discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including the implementation of national human rights action plans, strengthening the rule of law, ensuring gender equality, and cooperation within international bodies, the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan reported.
The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov. The delegation comprised representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan, the Deputy Minister of Education, as well as representatives from the Supreme Court, the Ministries of Labor and Social Protection, Internal Affairs, Justice, and the Institute of State, Law, and and Democracy.
During the dialogue, the Turkmen side presented the consistent steps being undertaken within the framework of the National Human Rights Action Plan for 2021–2025, including the activities of the Ombudsman’s Institute and initiatives as part of judicial reform.
Special attention was paid to ensuring the economic, social, and cultural rights of citizens, as well as fulfilling obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the National Action Plan for Gender Equality.
The sides focused on Turkmenistan’s interaction with international organizations, particularly the UN, OSCE, and other specialized bodies, in promoting and protecting human rights. Turkmenistan’s openness to constructive international dialogue and its interest in expanding cooperation were emphasized.
Following the dialogue, the parties reaffirmed readiness to continue the regular consultations and agreed on concrete steps for further cooperation.
