The central office of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCS) held an awareness-raising event “Principles of Patriotism and Humanism”, which was attended by representatives of the NRCS, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Central Asia (UNHCR), the International Federation of Red Crescent Societies Cross and Red Crescent, International Committee of the Red Cross in Turkmenistan, TDH reports.

The NRCPT, created in 1926, represents Turkmenistan in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Being one of the oldest humanitarian public organizations, the NRCPT takes an active part in the socio-economic transformations ongoing in the country, in particular in such areas as ensuring social protection of citizens, protecting public health, strengthening the status of the family institution, educating the younger generation in the spirit of the best traditions of the Turkmen people - mercy, sympathy and compassion for one's neighbor.

A wide range of issues of cooperation with major international organizations and structures, primarily the UN, was discussed at the meeting. Joint activities allow the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan to realize its existing potential and increase the level of knowledge of the Society’s employees and volunteers.

Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that Turkmenistan, as a democratic, legal and secular state, comes up with initiatives aimed at solving current problems on the global agenda, including those aimed at establishing high humanistic ideals and values. Having declared the protection of interests and human rights as a key aspect of state policy and recognizing the priority of generally accepted norms of international law, an independent neutral country unswervingly follows its obligations to implement the relevant documents.

In this context, the activities of the National Society are noted in accordance with the basic principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - humanism, neutrality, independence and voluntariness.

Information was heard on planned plans for interaction with relevant ministries and departments for the purpose of exchanging information, organizing business meetings and conducting training events. The tasks of the practical implementation of the discussed “Action Plan for 2024–2026 for the implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL) in Turkmenistan” are highlighted.

As you know, the NRCST is part of the Working Group of the Interdepartmental Commission to ensure the implementation of Turkmenistan’s international obligations in the field of human rights and international humanitarian law, created by the Decree of the President of the country in 2011.

In this regard, the great work carried out by the Society to disseminate knowledge about international humanitarian law and its implementation in national legislation was emphasized. The Red Crescent Society actively participates in the activities of the Interdepartmental Commission; on its initiative, trainings, seminars are held, and teaching aids have been prepared for secondary school teachers.