Ashgabat, 2 October 2020: The signing ceremony of the annual work plan between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Institute of State, Law and Democracy within the framework of the joint project “Assistance in implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP) of Turkmenistan for 2016-2020” took place in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

“Our long-term partnership has contributed to the expansion of interaction between the Government of Turkmenistan and all UN human rights mechanisms, bringing national legislation in line with international standards, adoption and implementation of the first human rights action plan. We have more ambitious plans ahead and looking forward to continued cooperation to the benefit of the people of Turkmenistan” emphasized Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative a.i.

The work plan includes activities aimed at supporting the Government in conducting assessment of the NHRAP, technical assistance in preparation of the national periodic report to UN Convention against torture, Common Core Document and  development of the new NHRAP.

The main objective of the joint project between UNDP and the Institute of State, Law and Democracy is strengthening of the protection, promotion and realization of human rights in Turkmenistan through harmonization of laws, politics and practice in accordance with the country’s obligations that are derived from international treaties on human rights and the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan of Turkmenistan for 2016-2020.

Within the framework of the given project, UNDP has supported the Government of Turkmenistan in realization of the NHRAP 2016-2020 and designing a new Action Plan for 2021-2025.

The Government of Turkmenistan plans to adopt the new National Action Plan for Human Rights in 2020 which will serve as an catalyst for sustainability of democratic reforms and reaffirm Turkmenistan's recognition of the UN Charter in promoting human rights and building a peaceful society.