Ashgabat, September 8, 2026 – A consultation seminar for members of the Working Group of theInterdepartmental Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law took place at the UN Building in Ashgabat.
The event, organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Office in Turkmenistan jointly with the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan, was dedicated to studying international experience in applying Temporary Special Measures and the National Mechanism for the Advancement of Women in line with recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
The event represents a planned step in implementing the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2026–2030, the Roadmap for Implementing CEDAW Concluding Observations, and the Joint Work Plan between UNFPA and the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan for 2026–2027.
UNFPA International Consultant Ms. Lori Mann was invited as the lead expert to conduct the seminar online.
The seminar reflects systemic work and consistent efforts by the state toward the practical implementation of international human rights commitments. Turkmenistan is a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and regularly submits periodic reports on the implementation of the Convention to the CEDAW Committee.
The country also participates in the five-year review processes of the Beijing Platform for Action. Turkmenistan’s obligations under CEDAW, reinforced by the Beijing Platform for Action, encompass establishing national machinery for the advancement of gender equality and applying temporary special measures designed to accelerate progress toward achieving de facto equality for women. In June this year, the country adopted the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2026–2030.
Participants focused on international experience in applying Temporary Special Measures as an effective CEDAW instrument to achieve de facto equality, as well as strengthening national institutions that ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men across all spheres of life.
Holding this seminar reaffirms Turkmenistan’s steadfast commitment to enhancing national legislation, advancing state monitoring, and actively collaborating with UN entities in the interest of sustainable development and the protection of women’s rights. ///nCa, 9 September 2026 (in cooperation with UNFPA Turkmenistan)