DIPLOMACY IN UNIFORM: TURKMENISTAN’S CLAIMS OF RESPECT FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW CONTRADICT DOCUMENTED HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AT HOME AND ABROAD

DIPLOMACY IN UNIFORM: TURKMENISTAN’S CLAIMS OF RESPECT FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW CONTRADICT DOCUMENTED HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AT HOME AND ABROAD A Response to the Statement by Vepa Hajiyev at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly HUMAN RIGHTS PLATFORM OF THE DAYANÇ CIVIL MOVEMENT / TURKMENISTAN Investigative Article and Public Human Rights Statement 1 November 2026 INTERNATIONAL LAW CANNOT BE DEFENDED IN WORDS WHILE BEING VIOLATED IN PRACTICE On 28 September 2026, Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, addressed the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. In his speech, he presented Turkmenistan as a country committed to peace, international cooperation, the rule of international law, human dignity, equal opportunities, and the protection of women and young people. Hajiyev also welcomed the adoption by consensus of the United Nations General Assembly resolution proclaiming 2028 the International Year of Law, an initiative introduced by Turkmenistan. He further proposed holding an international forum in Turkmenistan in 2027 on international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy, and sustainable development. These declarations raise fundamental questions about the relationship between Turkmenistan's international diplomatic commitments and its domestic policies. How can a state promote international law while systematically restricting fundamental freedoms? How can a government claim to support human dignity while independent international organizations document arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, restrictions on freedom of movement, and persecution of peaceful critics? How can a country present itself as a defender of international cooperation while its citizens face intimidation, surveillance, politically motivated deportations, and transnational repression beyond its borders? The Human Rights Platform of the DAYANÇ Civil Movement / Turkmenistan considers these contradictions matters of serious international concern. International law is not a diplomatic slogan. It is a system of binding obligations designed to protect human beings from arbitrary state power. A state's commitment to international law must be measured not by the number of resolutions it sponsors or international forums it organizes, but by its treatment of individuals under its jurisdiction and its respect for human rights beyond its borders. I. DIPLOMACY IN UNIFORM: THE QUESTION OF SECURITY-SERVICE INFLUENCE Vepa Hajiyev has held senior positions within Turkmenistan's foreign-policy establishment for many years. Independent investigative reporting has raised questions concerning alleged connections between senior Turkmen diplomatic officials and the country's security services. In December 2023, the independent outlet Turkmen.news published an investigation entitled "Diplomats in Uniform," examining alleged links between diplomatic appointments and the national security apparatus. The publication included allegations concerning Hajiyev's professional background and connections with security structures. These allegations warrant independent examination. They should not be confused with an established finding of individual criminal responsibility. Nevertheless, the broader question is of legitimate public interest. To what extent do Turkmenistan's security institutions influence the country's diplomatic activities, including its relations with foreign governments and international organizations? Have diplomatic, consular, or security channels been used to monitor, intimidate, or facilitate the persecution of Turkmen citizens abroad? The expression "diplomacy in uniform" reflects concerns about the possible overlap between diplomatic representation and security-service influence. DAYANÇ calls for transparency concerning the professional backgrounds, official responsibilities, and potential involvement of relevant state officials in documented transnational repression. II. TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION: TURKMENISTAN'S REACH BEYOND ITS BORDERS Political repression by the Turkmen authorities does not end at the country's borders. On 24 June 2026, Human Rights Watch published its extensive investigation, "Lives Destroyed for Speaking Out: Turkmen Activists at Home and in Exile." The investigation documented surveillance, intimidation, harassment, threats against relatives, abuse of consular services, politically motivated restrictions, arbitrary detention, deportation proceedings, and persecution of activists after their forced return to Turkmenistan. These are not merely isolated allegations. The documented cases demonstrate recurring patterns of repression affecting journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, political activists, and their families across national borders. The methods include: - Surveillance and intimidation of Turkmen activists living abroad. - Pressure on relatives remaining in Turkmenistan. - Denial of passports and essential consular services. - Use of immigration and security procedures against peaceful critics. - Arbitrary detention and deportation proceedings. - Forced returns despite serious risks of persecution. - Criminal prosecution and imprisonment following return. - Disappearances of activists in foreign countries. Such practices undermine the fundamental principle that individuals should be able to seek safety outside the country from which they fear persecution. Transnational repression represents a serious challenge not only to individual human rights but also to the sovereignty and legal responsibilities of the countries where affected individuals reside. The documented recurrence, geographical reach, and severity of these practices require a coordinated international response. Relevant legal standards include Articles 7, 9, 12, 17, 19, 21, and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as the prohibition of refoulement under Article 3 of the Convention against Torture. III. ARTICLE 29(3): DENIAL OF PASSPORTS TO TURKMEN CITIZENS ABROAD One of the clearest examples of the contradiction between Turkmenistan's domestic legislation and administrative practice concerns the issuance and renewal of passports abroad. Article 29(3) of the Law of Turkmenistan "On Migration" establishes a legal mechanism for citizens permanently residing abroad to obtain passports through Turkmen diplomatic missions and consular institutions. However, Turkmen authorities have systematically denied passport issuance and renewal through consular channels, requiring citizens to return to Turkmenistan to obtain new documents. This practice has been extensively documented by Human Rights Watch, including in its November 2024 report, "It's Like I Live in a Cage." The consequences are severe. Without valid passports, Turkmen citizens abroad may lose their lawful residence status, face employment restrictions, encounter obstacles to accessing healthcare and education, and experience difficulties maintaining family unity. For political activists, journalists, and government critics, returning to Turkmenistan may expose them to arbitrary detention, politically motivated prosecution, torture, or other serious human rights violations. The failure to provide effective passport services abroad must therefore be examined both under Article 29(3) of national legislation and under Turkmenistan's international human rights obligations. Article 12 of the ICCPR protects freedom of movement, including the right to leave any country and the right to enter one's own country. The authorities must not use administrative documentation procedures as instruments of political pressure or coercion. IV. ARTICLE 30(9) AND ARBITRARY EXIT BANS Freedom of movement is also restricted through Turkmenistan's exit-control system. Article 30 of the Law "On Migration," including paragraph 9 of its first part, forms part of the legislative framework governing restrictions on departure from the country. However, arbitrary exit bans are not limited to the application of this provision. Human Rights Watch and other independent observers have documented cases in which citizens were prevented from leaving Turkmenistan without adequate explanations, transparent procedures, or effective opportunities to challenge the restrictions. Such measures affect political activists, journalists, relatives of government critics, and ordinary citizens. Some individuals discover that they are prohibited from leaving only when they arrive at an airport or border crossing. These restrictions may prevent family reunification, employment abroad, access to medical treatment, education, and international protection. Under Article 12(3) of the ICCPR, restrictions on freedom of movement must be provided by law, necessary for a legitimate purpose, consistent with other rights recognized in the Covenant, and proportionate. Arbitrary or politically motivated travel bans are incompatible with these requirements. DAYANÇ calls for the elimination of arbitrary exit restrictions and the establishment of transparent, independent, and effective procedures for challenging decisions that interfere with freedom of movement. V. INTERPOL, TURKISH RESTRICTION CODES, AND POLITICALLY MOTIVATED RETURNS International law-enforcement cooperation must never become an instrument for pursuing political opponents. Article 3 of INTERPOL's Constitution strictly prohibits the Organization from undertaking activities of a political, military, religious, or racial character. Nevertheless, cases involving Turkmen nationals raise serious concerns about the possible misuse of international police cooperation and national immigration-security systems. The case of Maral Annayeva Maral Annayeva was detained in the United Arab Emirates in April 2026 and subsequently returned to Turkmenistan. CIVICUS reported that her detention was connected to an INTERPOL notice following her public criticism of the Turkmen authorities. Her case illustrates the serious consequences that can arise when international police cooperation intersects with politically motivated persecution. It also raises questions about the assessment of protection risks before removal. DAYANÇ calls for an independent examination of the international police procedures used in her case and the circumstances of her return to Turkmenistan. Turkish immigration restriction codes, including G-82 Turkmen activists and other nationals living in Türkiye have faced immigration restrictions based on public-security classifications. Human Rights Watch has documented arbitrary assignment of restriction codes to Turkmen nationals, including individuals for whom there was no reasonable evidence of a security threat. DAYANÇ has also raised concerns about the use of the G-82 restriction code in cases involving Turkmen citizens. The assignment of an immigration restriction code must not be treated as proof of criminal conduct or as sufficient justification for returning an individual to a country where persecution or torture may occur. Independent judicial review, access to legal representation, and individualized protection assessments are essential safeguards. The principle of non-refoulement must be respected regardless of the administrative mechanism used to initiate detention or deportation. VI. ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES: THE CASE OF ALISHER SAKHATOV AND ABDULLA ORUSOV The disappearance of Turkmen activists Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov in Türkiye in July 2025 raises grave human rights concerns. Their whereabouts and fate have remained unknown, and the circumstances of their disappearance require an effective and independent investigation. Human Rights Watch has highlighted the case in its documentation of transnational repression against Turkmen activists. DAYANÇ supports the appeals submitted by Güllala Hasanova and calls for urgent action to establish the fate and whereabouts of the two men. Türkiye, as the state on whose territory the disappearance occurred, has the primary obligation to conduct an effective investigation. Any credible evidence of involvement, assistance, or coordination by foreign state actors must also be examined. The prohibition of enforced disappearance and the obligation to investigate serious threats to life and liberty cannot be displaced by diplomatic considerations or national-security claims. VII. THE JUDICIARY: THE ABSENCE OF EFFECTIVE INDEPENDENT JUSTICE An independent judiciary is a fundamental requirement of the rule of law. International human rights organizations have repeatedly documented serious deficiencies in Turkmenistan's justice system, including politically motivated prosecutions, arbitrary detention, torture, unfair trials, and the lack of effective accountability for abuses committed by state officials. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have described the continuing persecution of government critics and the absence of meaningful independent oversight. The existence of courts and constitutional guarantees does not, by itself, establish judicial independence. Article 14 of the ICCPR guarantees the right to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent, and impartial tribunal established by law. Article 2(3) requires effective remedies for violations of Covenant rights. Where judicial institutions cannot provide effective protection against arbitrary state action, the practical implementation of these obligations is seriously undermined. DAYANÇ calls for judicial independence, transparent proceedings, protection against political interference, and accountability for torture, arbitrary detention, and other serious violations. VIII. DUAL EXCHANGE RATES, ECONOMIC INEQUALITY, AND CORRUPTION Turkmenistan's economic governance raises additional questions concerning transparency, equality, and accountability. The country has maintained a substantial disparity between its official exchange rate and the parallel-market exchange rate for the United States dollar. International economic assessments and independent reporting have documented restrictions on currency conversion and unequal access to foreign exchange. The official rate has remained approximately 3.5 Turkmen manats per US dollar, while the parallel-market rate has been significantly higher. Such disparities create opportunities for preferential access, economic inequality, and corruption. Restrictions on foreign currency also affect ordinary citizens' ability to travel, study, receive medical treatment, conduct legitimate business, and support relatives abroad. Economic policy must be assessed not only through macroeconomic indicators but also through its impact on the enjoyment of fundamental rights. Articles 6, 7, and 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights establish obligations concerning work, just and favourable working conditions, and an adequate standard of living. Transparent public administration and effective safeguards against corruption are essential to fulfilling these commitments. IX. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND INADEQUATE PROTECTION MECHANISMS Turkmenistan is a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Nevertheless, Human Rights Watch has documented serious shortcomings in the country's legal and institutional response to domestic violence. These include the absence of comprehensive stand-alone domestic violence legislation and inadequate protection mechanisms for survivors. The authorities' international statements concerning women's empowerment must therefore be examined alongside the practical availability of legal remedies, shelters, independent investigations, and protection services. DAYANÇ draws particular attention to cases involving Jeren Altyyeva and her minor daughter Ogulnur Pelvanova, as well as Maral Annayeva and other women whose circumstances raise serious protection concerns. According to information provided to DAYANÇ, both Jeren Altyyeva and her daughter have been subjected to violence and other serious violations. These allegations require urgent, independent examination, effective remedies, and appropriate protection for the child. The organization emphasizes that the confidentiality, dignity, and safety of minor victims must be respected throughout all proceedings. International commitments to women's rights must be reflected in effective protection from violence, discrimination, intimidation, and retaliation. X. CRIMINALIZATION AND PERSECUTION OF LGBT PEOPLE Turkmenistan continues to criminalize consensual same-sex sexual relations between adult men. This legal framework has been documented by international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Criminalization exposes individuals to risks of arbitrary detention, discrimination, intimidation, and violations of privacy. Such practices raise serious concerns under Articles 2, 7, 9, 17, and 26 of the ICCPR. The state has an obligation to protect every individual from torture, cruel or degrading treatment, arbitrary detention, and discrimination. Human dignity and equality before the law cannot be selectively applied. XI. STATE CONTROL OVER THE MEDIA AND RESTRICTIONS ON INFORMATION Freedom of expression and access to information are essential components of an accountable society. In Turkmenistan, independent journalism operates under severe restrictions. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented censorship, blocking of independent websites, restrictions on internet access, surveillance, and persecution of individuals who criticize the authorities. State control over information limits public scrutiny of government decisions, economic policy, corruption, environmental risks, and human rights violations. Article 19 of the ICCPR protects the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas. A government cannot credibly promote international dialogue while systematically restricting peaceful public discussion and independent reporting at home. XII. NATURAL DISASTERS, ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS, AND THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION Access to accurate and timely information is particularly important during natural disasters and environmental emergencies. Government censorship and restrictions on independent reporting can prevent citizens from understanding the scale of emergencies, identifying available assistance, and taking measures to protect themselves. DAYANÇ calls for independent examination of reported failures to disclose information about natural disasters, environmental hazards, damage, casualties, and the needs of affected communities. Any documented withholding of essential safety information or arbitrary denial of emergency assistance must be assessed against the state's obligations to protect life and health. Relevant standards include Article 6 of the ICCPR and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The protection of human life must take precedence over the preservation of a favourable official image. XIII. FORCED LABOUR AND EXPLOITATION Forced labour remains another serious human rights concern in Turkmenistan. Independent human rights organizations have documented the mobilization of public-sector employees and other individuals for compulsory cotton harvesting. Reports have described pressure on teachers, public employees, and other workers to participate in agricultural labour or provide substitutes. Such practices raise serious concerns under Article 8 of the ICCPR and International Labour Organization Convention No. 29 concerning Forced or Compulsory Labour. Forced labour is incompatible with human dignity, freedom of employment, and fundamental labour rights. A state's commitment to sustainable development must include the elimination of coercive labour practices and effective protection of workers. XIV. THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF LAW: A TEST OF CREDIBILITY Turkmenistan's initiative to proclaim 2028 the International Year of Law creates an important opportunity for international scrutiny. The central question is whether the government is prepared to demonstrate meaningful progress in implementing its existing legal obligations. These obligations include: - Ending politically motivated persecution and arbitrary detention. - Investigating enforced disappearances and torture. - Ending transnational repression against activists and journalists. - Ensuring access to passports under Article 29(3) of the Law "On Migration." - Ending arbitrary exit bans, including abuses associated with Article 30. - Protecting family reunification and freedom of movement. - Preventing politically motivated misuse of INTERPOL mechanisms. - Respecting the principle of non-refoulement. - Establishing an independent and impartial judiciary. - Protecting women and children from violence. - Ending discrimination and persecution based on sexual orientation. - Guaranteeing freedom of expression and independent journalism. - Eliminating forced labour. - Ensuring transparency and accountability in public administration. International legal initiatives cannot substitute for compliance with international law. The credibility of such initiatives depends on measurable improvements in the protection of human rights. OFFICIAL PUBLIC STATEMENT OF DAYANÇ The Human Rights Platform of the DAYANÇ Civil Movement / Turkmenistan expresses profound concern over the discrepancy between the Turkmen government's international declarations concerning peace, human dignity, and the rule of law and the serious human rights violations documented by independent international organizations. We emphasize that the persecution of Turkmen citizens extends beyond national borders. Transnational repression, intimidation of activists abroad, pressure on relatives, denial of consular services, arbitrary immigration restrictions, and forced returns represent serious threats to fundamental human rights. We draw particular attention to the documented denial of passports to Turkmen citizens abroad despite the legal framework established under Article 29(3) of the Law of Turkmenistan "On Migration." We further highlight arbitrary restrictions on departure from Turkmenistan, including the application of Article 30(9) and other administrative and security measures that interfere with freedom of movement and family reunification. We express serious concern about the potential misuse of INTERPOL mechanisms, the application of immigration-security restriction codes in Türkiye, including G-82, and the removal of individuals without adequate safeguards against persecution and torture. We also emphasize the need for effective investigations into enforced disappearances, politically motivated imprisonment, violence against women and children, discrimination, forced labour, and the suppression of independent journalism. DAYANÇ calls upon the competent authorities of Turkmenistan, relevant host states, United Nations human rights mechanisms, and other international institutions to ensure effective implementation of international human rights obligations. We specifically call for: 1. Independent investigations into documented patterns of transnational repression against Turkmen citizens. 2. Effective investigations into the disappearance of Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov. 3. An end to arbitrary denial of passport issuance and renewal through Turkmen diplomatic and consular missions. 4. The abolition of arbitrary exit restrictions and the establishment of effective judicial remedies. 5. Independent review of politically motivated international police and immigration-security measures. 6. Full respect for the principle of non-refoulement. 7. Protection of women, children, human rights defenders, journalists, and LGBT individuals from violence and persecution. 8. Independent judicial oversight and accountability for serious human rights violations. 9. Effective safeguards against corruption, forced labour, censorship, and abuse of state authority. 10. Transparent reporting on Turkmenistan's implementation of its international treaty obligations. The Human Rights Platform of DAYANÇ is prepared to submit relevant case files, documentary evidence, witness statements, and legal assessments to competent international mechanisms, subject to the informed consent of applicants and appropriate confidentiality safeguards. We emphasize that state sovereignty, permanent neutrality, diplomatic status, and participation in international initiatives do not exempt any government from its binding human rights obligations. International law must protect people in practice, not merely serve as a subject of diplomatic speeches. The protection of fundamental rights must extend to every Turkmen citizen, whether living inside Turkmenistan or beyond its borders. The international community must evaluate the government's commitments through verifiable actions, independent investigations, effective remedies, and measurable improvements in human rights protection. Human dignity does not end at national borders. Justice must not depend on political loyalty. And international law must never be reduced to diplomatic rhetoric. HUMAN RIGHTS PLATFORM OF THE DAYANÇ CIVIL MOVEMENT / TURKMENISTAN Diana Dadasheva Chairperson — France Lala Abdyrahmanova Representative — Türkiye Website: dayanchcivil.com Email: dayanch.civil@gmail.com ### PRINCIPAL SOURCES 1. United Nations, General Debate of the 81st Session of the General Assembly, statement by Vepa Hajiyev, 28 September 2026. https://transcripts.un.org/en/asset/k1k/k1kfcwu5kc 2. Human Rights Watch, "Lives Destroyed for Speaking Out: Turkmen Activists at Home and in Exile," 24 June 2026. https://www.hrw.org/feature/2026/06/24/lives-destroyed-for-speaking-out-turkmen-activists-at-home-and-in-exile/the 3. Human Rights Watch, "It's Like I Live in a Cage": Turkmen Authorities' Denial of Passports to Turkmen Citizens in Türkiye, 11 November 2024. https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/11/11/its-i-live-cage/turkmen-authorities-denial-passports-turkmen-citizens-turkiye 4. Human Rights Watch, World Report 2026, Turkmenistan. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2026/country-chapters/turkmenistan 5. Amnesty International, Turkmenistan country reporting. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/eastern-europe-and-central-asia/turkmenistan/ 6. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Articles 2, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, and 26. 7. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Article 3. 8. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 9. Convention on the Rights of the Child. 10. Constitution of INTERPOL, Article 3. 11. Law of Turkmenistan "On Migration," Articles 29(3) and 30, subject to verification against the consolidated version in force.