The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a regular meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission to ensure the implementation of Turkmenistan’s international obligations in the field of human rights and international humanitarian law with the participation of representatives of the Mejlis, a number of ministries and line departments, as well as public organizations of the country, TDH reports.

The agenda included summing up the results of the work carried out by the Interdepartmental Commission for 2023 and identifying long-term tasks for the new year 2024, the motto of which is “The Fount of the Mind of Magtymguly Fragi.”

The subject of detailed consideration was the current aspects of further improving the activities of government agencies and public organizations in the field of ensuring human rights and implementing the provisions of international humanitarian law. As noted, the legislative system of Turkmenistan is consistently developing, based on national experience and traditions, as well as with the goal of harmonization with generally accepted norms in this area.

In the process of discussing the results of the work carried out during the reporting period, the speakers emphasized that the protection of the legitimate interests of citizens is a priority vector of the state policy of the neutral Fatherland. A clear confirmation of this is the “National Action Plan for Human Rights in Turkmenistan for 2021–2025”, “National Action Plan for Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2021–2025”, “National Action Plan for the Realization of Rights”, which are being implemented on a systematic basis. children in Turkmenistan for 2023–2028.” Particular emphasis was placed on specific successes achieved as a result of programs and projects implemented jointly with UN structures and other international organizations.

During the meeting, the work plan of this structure for 2024 and the “Action Plan for the implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL) in Turkmenistan for 2024–2026” were also considered.

During the discussion, it was noted that the “Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the socio-economic development of the country for 2022–2028” identified priority tasks aimed at strengthening the role of human capital as the main factor in ensuring human rights and the development of civil society. In this context, the importance of increasing the institutional capacity of the Office of the Authorized Representative for Human Rights in Turkmenistan was emphasized.

The speakers stated that improving the activities of government bodies in the field of ensuring human rights, introducing digital technologies in all sectors of the economy and social sphere, creating new jobs, stimulating the development of small and medium-sized businesses, and expanding employment in the private sector open up new opportunities for realizing the intellectual potential of the population . In accordance with the Law “On State Youth Policy,” special importance is attached to popularizing the principles of a healthy lifestyle among the younger generation, educating them in the spirit of patriotism, hard work, high morality and civic responsibility.

One of the main vectors of activity of the Interdepartmental Commission is the preparation of proposals for the harmonization of national legislation with the norms of international law. In this regard, it was noted that the complex of measures taken during the reporting period was aimed at bringing the country’s legislative framework in the field of human rights and freedoms into line with the realities of the time.

The main functions also include the preparation of National reports on the practical implementation of the provisions ratified by our state of conventions in this area and the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as submitting them to the relevant United Nations Committees. At the same time, the emphasis was placed on Turkmenistan’s achievements in ensuring human rights and fulfilling international obligations in the field of humanitarian law.

At the meeting it was emphasized that much attention was paid to the issues of increasing the legal knowledge of the population and expanding access to legal information.

As part of the exchange of views on further steps to fulfill the tasks identified in the Commission’s Work Plan for the current year, it was noted that in order to study the best world experience in the field of human rights protection, it is necessary to conduct a series of seminars, working meetings, and consultations with the participation of international experts.

A number of other issues were also discussed at the meeting.