Turkmenistan as a full member of the UN builds up harmonious interstate relations implementing the potential of the status of neutrality. Turkmenistan seeks to use this status recognized by the Special Resolution of the UN General Assembly and supported by 185 states to contribute to strengthening global peace and security, mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries and leading international organizations. That is illustrated by the profound experience of collaboration with the UN, the opening of the office of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat. The Turkmen state stands for enhancing the UN’s prestige as an organization facilitating cooperation between the nations based on equality and mutual respect, the non-confrontational, non-violent model of the world.
A new stage in the history of cooperation with the United Nations started in February 2007 when Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the initiator of the large-scale progressive reforms which laid the foundation for long-term international partnership as well, was elected the President of Turkmenistan. Since then relations with the United Nations are developed against the background of the mutual willingness to expand the dialogue. This fact was confirmed by numerous meetings of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and heads of the UN agencies.
The constructive initiatives put forward by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to address challenges and problems of the modern world are widely supported and recognized by the international community. Turkmenistan has gained the status of the peacemaking centre. An illustrative example of the experience in preventing and resolving existing and potential conflicts is the role of the Turkmen state in resolving civil conflicts in Tajikistan, the effective assistance provided to the Afghan people in building a peaceful life, etc.
The United Nations views Turkmenistan as a dependable partner. This is vividly evidenced by the election of Turkmenistan in April this year to the United Nations Commission on Population and Development for 2012-2015, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs for 2012-2015 and the UNHCR Executive Committee (on a permanent basis).
The Unite Nations carries out the work in Turkmenistan in compliance with national priorities and reflects the spheres of global human development. A number of the UN agencies, including the UN Development Programme, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN Children’s Fund, the World Health Organization, the Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Population Fund, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia successfully operate in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan strictly meets the international commitments to humanitarian law declared by the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our country acceded to over 120 fundamental conventions and international legal documents, most of which are to tackle major humanitarian challenges in our time. These include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women , the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and others.
The policy of reforms, the essence of which is embodied in the principle “a state for the people” put forward by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is consistent with the basic goals and principles of the United Nations, and immutable law declares promotion of fundamental democratic rights and freedoms of citizens. The democratic and legal foundations of the statehood are being modernised, norms of international law is being implemented in the regulatory framework.
A critical step was the adoption of the new Constitution of Turkmenistan which declares an individual to be the highest value of the society and state. The age-old democratic traditions are being revived and enhanced, the guarantees for the exercise of the political, economic, social and other rights of citizens are being established in the Turkmen society. The measures taken include the establishment of the Interagency Commission for monitoring the implementation of international human rights and humanitarian law commitments of Turkmenistan, the special State Commission for Improvement of the Legislation, the Turkmen National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan and the Institute of State and Law under President of Turkmenistan. These structures are responsible for conducting monitoring the current legislation and elaborating the proposals and recommendations on the improvement of the legal system on a regular basis, and experienced international experts are involved in the joint activities expanding cooperation with the major international organizations, particularly the United Nations.
The declaration of the rule of law and adherence to the commitments undertaken are reflected in laws and law enforcement practice on the abolition of capital punishment, the prohibition of the adoption of autocratic decisions on criminal cases and many other documents and actions. The equal conditions provided in the society to people of all nationalities and ethnicities, they are provided by law that imposes criminal liability for any violation of the rights based on ethnicity.
The Constitution of Turkmenistan guarantees free development to an individual and protects his life, honour, dignity and freedom. Every citizen has the right to social welfare, health care and the state support to live a prosperous and happy life. An embodiment of these guarantees is the National Programme for Social and Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2011-2030 and the National Programme for improvement of social and living conditions in settlements, villages and towns in etraps and etrap centres for the period till 2020.
A new step to intensify contacts between Turkmenistan and the UN in the legal sector is the opening of the Information Centre at the Turkmen National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan this May. This agency is responsible for raising awareness of civil servants, scientists, students, voluntary group activists and studying intentional practice in this sphere. The Centre was established under the joint project “Strengthening the Capacity of Turkmenistan to Promote and Protect Human Rights” of the Government of Turkmenistan and the European Union, the UNDP and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Since 1995 the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been effectively operating in Ashgabat and enjoying the all-out support cooperates with the Government of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan acceded to the UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its Protocol and developed the relevant statutory and legal acts. For the past years our country has become the homeland for desperate people, who were forced to leave their homes as the fates decree. Turkmenistan together with the UNHCR takes actions under the programme to prevent and reduce statelessness urging to concert global in this area.
A result of this policy was the admittance to Turkmen citizenship and provision of residence permit in Turkmenistan on an unprecedented scale to thousands of displaced persons and refugees. The Resolution on the ratification of and accession to the Convention of the UN General Assembly relating to the Status of Stateless Persons was adopted during the eleventh session of the Mejlis of the fourth convocation. On July 8 this year President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov issued the Order “On the Admittance to Citizenship of Turkmenistan” authorizing to grant citizenship of Turkmenistan to more that 1500 people. On the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan this work will be continued.
Turkmenistan is a permanent member of the UNHCR Executive Committee. Turkmenistan intends to put forward the initiative to organize an international meeting with the participation of all parties concerned in Ashgabat in 2012 to present the experience of our country in granting citizenship to stateless persons at the 66th session of the UN General Assembly.
The work carried out under the humanitarian project on the improved quality of reproductive health and social services for refugees and host communities implemented in collaboration with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UNHCR Office in Turkmenistan is worth mentioning.
A significant step was the accession in 1994 to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as one of the UNICEF’s fundamental documents and the implementation of its provisions into the national legislation. A number of joint projects on improvement of juvenile justice and early childhood development were implemented in collaboration with UNICEF that is vividly reflected in the Law of Turkmenistan “On the Guarantees of the Rights of the Child”.
The favourable living conditions for orphan children are created in the country, their rights to education, health care and others are secured. The orphan centres in Ashgabat and the regions of the country are provided with the state support. The Fund for orphan children who graduated from specialised children’s institutions was established.
The joint projects on social protection of people with disabilities, including children with physical disabilities, are in the assets of cooperation with UNICEF. Turkmenistan joined the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The education, medical and rehabilitation centres which operate throughout the country provide children with disabilities with the opportunities to receive education and vocational training.
The favourable conditions for life and integrated development are guaranteed to children and youth in Turkmenistan, particular attention is given to maternal and child health care. These tasks are consistent with the UN Millennium Development Goals. The Government of Turkmenistan and UNICEF consistently implement the joint programmes in order to implement the fundamental principles set forth in the MDG, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the document entitled “A World Fit for Children”.
The reforms in the education system enable to bring this sphere in line with international standards and enhance the intellectual potential of the nation. In accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, starting from September 1 of the 2007-2008 academic year the term of study at secondary schools is ten years, at higher schools – five years, medical and art higher school – six years. These terms are secured in the Law of Turkmenistan “On Education”. The National Programme for Early Childhood Development and School Readiness for 2011-2015 approved by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was adopted on May 27 this year.
The guarantees of the rights of women and children are secured. The Constitution and laws of Turkmenistan guarantees the equal and even priority rights to work, remuneration, social welfare and education to women. The Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted the laws “On the State Guarantees of Equal Opportunities for Women” and “On the Protection and Promotion of Breastfeeding and Infant’s Nutritious Requirements”. Turkmenistan acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Political Rights of Women, the Convention of the International Labour Organization concerning Equal Remuneration for Men and Women Workers for Work of Equal Value and a number of other documents.
Turkmenistan as a full member of the UN ratified together with other 190 countries and acceded to the UNESCO Declaration on Education for All and strictly meets its commitments.
Our country became a member of the UNESCO in 1993. The work on revival, preservation and promotion of the unique cultural heritage of the Turkmen people are consistent with the UNESCO’s goals giving incentives to intensify long-term partnerships. The departments and monitoring centres that systematize the data on historical and cultural complexes in Turkmenistan and provide consultative services are opened at leading higher educational institutions under the UNESCO’s technical and expert support.
In 1994 Turkmenistan acceded to the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Three historical and archaeological monuments of universal value, including Ancient Merv, Kunya Urgench and Nisa were inscribed on the World Heritage List. The work in this area is continued; the nomination of a group of monuments located on the routes of the Great Silk Road is being prepared. In May this year Ashgabat hosted the meeting of the Coordinating Committee on the Serial World Heritage Nomination of the Silk Road.
The significance of adopting the Resolution on the ratification and accession to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage during the eleventh session of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan of the fourth convocation should be noted. A priority tasks is to intensify the work on the nomination of Turkmenistan for the membership in the Executive Board of UNESCO for the period of 2013-2015.
The policy pursued in the spheres of education, science and culture and the initiatives put forward by the Turkmen leader have won recognition and support from the international community. Evidence of this is the presentation of the Gold Medal of Avicenna, the highest award of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for his outstanding contribution to development of the national culture, preservation of historical and cultural monuments and promotion of cooperation with UNESCO.
A fundamentally new, effective mechanism for Turkmenistan-UN cooperation in the humanitarian sphere based on the mutually beneficial dialogue and aimed at wide international cooperation for global peace, prosperity and progress is being developed at the present stage.
A new stage in the history of cooperation with the United Nations started in February 2007 when Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the initiator of the large-scale progressive reforms which laid the foundation for long-term international partnership as well, was elected the President of Turkmenistan. Since then relations with the United Nations are developed against the background of the mutual willingness to expand the dialogue. This fact was confirmed by numerous meetings of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and heads of the UN agencies.
The constructive initiatives put forward by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to address challenges and problems of the modern world are widely supported and recognized by the international community. Turkmenistan has gained the status of the peacemaking centre. An illustrative example of the experience in preventing and resolving existing and potential conflicts is the role of the Turkmen state in resolving civil conflicts in Tajikistan, the effective assistance provided to the Afghan people in building a peaceful life, etc.
The United Nations views Turkmenistan as a dependable partner. This is vividly evidenced by the election of Turkmenistan in April this year to the United Nations Commission on Population and Development for 2012-2015, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs for 2012-2015 and the UNHCR Executive Committee (on a permanent basis).
The Unite Nations carries out the work in Turkmenistan in compliance with national priorities and reflects the spheres of global human development. A number of the UN agencies, including the UN Development Programme, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN Children’s Fund, the World Health Organization, the Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Population Fund, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia successfully operate in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan strictly meets the international commitments to humanitarian law declared by the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our country acceded to over 120 fundamental conventions and international legal documents, most of which are to tackle major humanitarian challenges in our time. These include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women , the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and others.
The policy of reforms, the essence of which is embodied in the principle “a state for the people” put forward by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is consistent with the basic goals and principles of the United Nations, and immutable law declares promotion of fundamental democratic rights and freedoms of citizens. The democratic and legal foundations of the statehood are being modernised, norms of international law is being implemented in the regulatory framework.
A critical step was the adoption of the new Constitution of Turkmenistan which declares an individual to be the highest value of the society and state. The age-old democratic traditions are being revived and enhanced, the guarantees for the exercise of the political, economic, social and other rights of citizens are being established in the Turkmen society. The measures taken include the establishment of the Interagency Commission for monitoring the implementation of international human rights and humanitarian law commitments of Turkmenistan, the special State Commission for Improvement of the Legislation, the Turkmen National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan and the Institute of State and Law under President of Turkmenistan. These structures are responsible for conducting monitoring the current legislation and elaborating the proposals and recommendations on the improvement of the legal system on a regular basis, and experienced international experts are involved in the joint activities expanding cooperation with the major international organizations, particularly the United Nations.
The declaration of the rule of law and adherence to the commitments undertaken are reflected in laws and law enforcement practice on the abolition of capital punishment, the prohibition of the adoption of autocratic decisions on criminal cases and many other documents and actions. The equal conditions provided in the society to people of all nationalities and ethnicities, they are provided by law that imposes criminal liability for any violation of the rights based on ethnicity.
The Constitution of Turkmenistan guarantees free development to an individual and protects his life, honour, dignity and freedom. Every citizen has the right to social welfare, health care and the state support to live a prosperous and happy life. An embodiment of these guarantees is the National Programme for Social and Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2011-2030 and the National Programme for improvement of social and living conditions in settlements, villages and towns in etraps and etrap centres for the period till 2020.
A new step to intensify contacts between Turkmenistan and the UN in the legal sector is the opening of the Information Centre at the Turkmen National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan this May. This agency is responsible for raising awareness of civil servants, scientists, students, voluntary group activists and studying intentional practice in this sphere. The Centre was established under the joint project “Strengthening the Capacity of Turkmenistan to Promote and Protect Human Rights” of the Government of Turkmenistan and the European Union, the UNDP and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Since 1995 the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been effectively operating in Ashgabat and enjoying the all-out support cooperates with the Government of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan acceded to the UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its Protocol and developed the relevant statutory and legal acts. For the past years our country has become the homeland for desperate people, who were forced to leave their homes as the fates decree. Turkmenistan together with the UNHCR takes actions under the programme to prevent and reduce statelessness urging to concert global in this area.
A result of this policy was the admittance to Turkmen citizenship and provision of residence permit in Turkmenistan on an unprecedented scale to thousands of displaced persons and refugees. The Resolution on the ratification of and accession to the Convention of the UN General Assembly relating to the Status of Stateless Persons was adopted during the eleventh session of the Mejlis of the fourth convocation. On July 8 this year President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov issued the Order “On the Admittance to Citizenship of Turkmenistan” authorizing to grant citizenship of Turkmenistan to more that 1500 people. On the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan this work will be continued.
Turkmenistan is a permanent member of the UNHCR Executive Committee. Turkmenistan intends to put forward the initiative to organize an international meeting with the participation of all parties concerned in Ashgabat in 2012 to present the experience of our country in granting citizenship to stateless persons at the 66th session of the UN General Assembly.
The work carried out under the humanitarian project on the improved quality of reproductive health and social services for refugees and host communities implemented in collaboration with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UNHCR Office in Turkmenistan is worth mentioning.
A significant step was the accession in 1994 to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as one of the UNICEF’s fundamental documents and the implementation of its provisions into the national legislation. A number of joint projects on improvement of juvenile justice and early childhood development were implemented in collaboration with UNICEF that is vividly reflected in the Law of Turkmenistan “On the Guarantees of the Rights of the Child”.
The favourable living conditions for orphan children are created in the country, their rights to education, health care and others are secured. The orphan centres in Ashgabat and the regions of the country are provided with the state support. The Fund for orphan children who graduated from specialised children’s institutions was established.
The joint projects on social protection of people with disabilities, including children with physical disabilities, are in the assets of cooperation with UNICEF. Turkmenistan joined the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The education, medical and rehabilitation centres which operate throughout the country provide children with disabilities with the opportunities to receive education and vocational training.
The favourable conditions for life and integrated development are guaranteed to children and youth in Turkmenistan, particular attention is given to maternal and child health care. These tasks are consistent with the UN Millennium Development Goals. The Government of Turkmenistan and UNICEF consistently implement the joint programmes in order to implement the fundamental principles set forth in the MDG, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the document entitled “A World Fit for Children”.
The reforms in the education system enable to bring this sphere in line with international standards and enhance the intellectual potential of the nation. In accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, starting from September 1 of the 2007-2008 academic year the term of study at secondary schools is ten years, at higher schools – five years, medical and art higher school – six years. These terms are secured in the Law of Turkmenistan “On Education”. The National Programme for Early Childhood Development and School Readiness for 2011-2015 approved by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was adopted on May 27 this year.
The guarantees of the rights of women and children are secured. The Constitution and laws of Turkmenistan guarantees the equal and even priority rights to work, remuneration, social welfare and education to women. The Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted the laws “On the State Guarantees of Equal Opportunities for Women” and “On the Protection and Promotion of Breastfeeding and Infant’s Nutritious Requirements”. Turkmenistan acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Political Rights of Women, the Convention of the International Labour Organization concerning Equal Remuneration for Men and Women Workers for Work of Equal Value and a number of other documents.
Turkmenistan as a full member of the UN ratified together with other 190 countries and acceded to the UNESCO Declaration on Education for All and strictly meets its commitments.
Our country became a member of the UNESCO in 1993. The work on revival, preservation and promotion of the unique cultural heritage of the Turkmen people are consistent with the UNESCO’s goals giving incentives to intensify long-term partnerships. The departments and monitoring centres that systematize the data on historical and cultural complexes in Turkmenistan and provide consultative services are opened at leading higher educational institutions under the UNESCO’s technical and expert support.
In 1994 Turkmenistan acceded to the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Three historical and archaeological monuments of universal value, including Ancient Merv, Kunya Urgench and Nisa were inscribed on the World Heritage List. The work in this area is continued; the nomination of a group of monuments located on the routes of the Great Silk Road is being prepared. In May this year Ashgabat hosted the meeting of the Coordinating Committee on the Serial World Heritage Nomination of the Silk Road.
The significance of adopting the Resolution on the ratification and accession to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage during the eleventh session of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan of the fourth convocation should be noted. A priority tasks is to intensify the work on the nomination of Turkmenistan for the membership in the Executive Board of UNESCO for the period of 2013-2015.
The policy pursued in the spheres of education, science and culture and the initiatives put forward by the Turkmen leader have won recognition and support from the international community. Evidence of this is the presentation of the Gold Medal of Avicenna, the highest award of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for his outstanding contribution to development of the national culture, preservation of historical and cultural monuments and promotion of cooperation with UNESCO.
A fundamentally new, effective mechanism for Turkmenistan-UN cooperation in the humanitarian sphere based on the mutually beneficial dialogue and aimed at wide international cooperation for global peace, prosperity and progress is being developed at the present stage.