Ashgabat hosted the thirteenth round of the annual Human Rights Dialogue on 6 July held with the participation of the European Union and Turkmen delegations.
According to the ECO Cultural Institute, the dialogue allowed for an open exchange on a wide range of issues, with a particular focus on the repercussions of the pandemic on human rights. The parties exchanged views on the rule of law, the legal framework for the protection of human rights in Turkmenistan as well as its implementation, the situation of civil society, fundamental freedoms, conditions in detention and torture prevention, cooperation with international bodies, in particular UN special procedures, as well as individual cases of human rights concern.
The EU informed about its major human rights related policy initiatives such as the new EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2021 – 2024 and the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime adopted by the Council in December 2020, which signals the EU’s strong determination to stand united for human rights. Turkmenistan informed about its National Human Rights Action Plan 2021-2025 and reiterated its intention to cooperate with international organisations, including the UN, ILO and OSCE.
The rule of law and respect for human rights are essential elements of the EU-Turkmenistan relationship.