The Human Rights Platform of the civic movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” expresses serious concern regarding reports of systematic coercion of Turkmen citizens to participate in football-related events connected to international matches. According to information from independent sources, including Radio Azatlyk, as well as eyewitness reports, citizens of Turkmenistan — including students, public sector workers, and entrepreneurs — are being forced to participate in football-related activities and international trips connected to matches involving Turkmen football clubs. Of particular concern are reports that entrepreneurs are being forced to travel to international matches, including trips to Dubai, at their own expense. According to available information, entrepreneurs are required to personally pay for: airline tickets; accommodation; meals; and other travel-related expenses. Refusal to comply may result in pressure, threats of inspections, administrative consequences, or obstacles to conducting business activities. Such actions constitute a form of economic and administrative coercion and violate fundamental human rights, including: the right to freedom of choice; the right to protection from coercion; the right to conduct business freely; the right to human dignity. The use of entrepreneurs, students, and citizens as forced participants to create an artificial image of support for sporting events is an unacceptable practice. The Human Rights Platform “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” emphasizes that sport must not be used as a tool of coercion, pressure, or propaganda. We also stress that the Human Rights Platform “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” has repeatedly submitted official appeals to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) regarding systematic human rights violations in Turkmenistan. In these appeals, we informed FIFA about: coercion of citizens to participate in state-organized events; administrative pressure on civilians; forcing entrepreneurs to bear financial costs against their will; the use of sport as a tool of state control. We once again call on FIFA, international football organizations, professional football players, sports clubs, and the entire international community to pay attention to these serious and systematic human rights violations in Turkmenistan. We also appeal to all football players participating in international matches to remain aware that behind official sporting events, there may be coercion and violations of fundamental rights. International sport must be based on the principles of voluntariness, respect, and human rights. The Human Rights Platform of the civic movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” Источник:https://youtu.be/2bgu1JKoYSE?si=Y9eRpLfYe70dAgDP
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