Action Against the Isolation of Turkmenistan Citizens and Exit Bans

The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” expresses its support for the action against the isolation of Turkmenistan citizens, initiated by civil activist Magtymguly, aimed at protecting citizens’ right to freedom of movement. For many years, citizens of Turkmenistan have faced a systematic practice of exit bans. These restrictions are imposed by the Migration Service of Turkmenistan under Article 30 of the Migration Law, which is interpreted arbitrarily and without transparent legal justification. As a result, thousands of Turkmenistan citizens have been banned from leaving the country, and hundreds of families remain separated, deprived of the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones. Particularly alarming is the practice whereby citizens are forced to submit written requests to the Migration Service asking for permission to leave their own country. This practice is unacceptable and contradicts fundamental human rights principles. Freedom of movement is a basic right enshrined in Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone has the right to leave any country, including their own, and to return to their country. Article 30 of the Migration Law of Turkmenistan, in particular paragraph 9, is used in practice as a tool to restrict citizens’ freedom, directly contradicting Turkmenistan’s international obligations. Instead of protecting citizens’ rights, this provision is used to limit them, creating conditions of isolation and legal uncertainty. The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” emphasizes that freedom of movement is not a privilege, but an inalienable right of every person. No state has the right to arbitrarily restrict its citizens from leaving the country or to force them to request permission to exercise their basic rights. In this regard, the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” joins this action and puts forward the following legitimate demands: — repeal Article 30, paragraph 9 of the Migration Law of Turkmenistan, which is used to restrict freedom of movement; — ensure full freedom of movement for Turkmenistan citizens in accordance with international human rights standards; — immediately begin issuing passports to Turkmenistan citizens at diplomatic missions abroad in accordance with Article 29 of the Migration Law of Turkmenistan; — establish crisis support centers at Turkmenistan diplomatic missions to provide emergency legal, social, and humanitarian assistance to citizens in difficult situations abroad; — ensure the conclusion of official labor agreements for Turkmenistan citizens in countries hosting the largest number of migrant workers, in order to protect their rights and ensure decent working conditions. The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” calls on the authorities of Turkmenistan to immediately cease the unlawful practice of exit restrictions, bring national legislation into compliance with international standards, and ensure respect for fundamental human rights. Freedom of movement is the foundation of human dignity, freedom, and security. Citizens of Turkmenistan have the right to live without isolation, without fear, and without unlawful restrictions on their rights.