Human Rights Watch Reports Ongoing Systematic Human Rights Abuses in Turkmenistan

The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” draws public attention to a newly published report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) revealing the continued and systematic deterioration of human rights in Turkmenistan. According to the report, Turkmen authorities maintain strict control over fundamental freedoms, including freedom of movement, expression, religion, and access to information. Repression remains deeply institutionalized and affects all spheres of public life. ?? Arbitrary Travel Bans Human Rights Watch documents widespread cases of citizens being prevented from boarding international flights under vague and fabricated pretexts, such as unclear passport stamps, minor document errors, or alleged violations of foreign immigration rules. In several cases, individuals were denied the right to travel even after courts had ruled in their favor and ordered the removal of exit bans. ??? Persecution of Activists and Government Critics The report highlights ongoing surveillance, harassment, detention, deportation threats, and the revocation of residency documents targeting activists, bloggers, and government critics — including those living in exile. Authorities continue to use intimidation tactics to silence dissent both inside and outside the country. ?? Political Prisoners, Torture, and Enforced Disappearances Human Rights Watch emphasizes that dozens of people arrested more than two decades ago remain forcibly disappeared within Turkmenistan’s prison system. Detainees are subjected to torture, inhumane conditions, and denial of contact with family members and lawyers, while the government conceals information about their fate. ?? Women’s Rights Violations The report documents: the absence of a law criminalizing domestic violence restrictions on reproductive rights discriminatory informal dress codes imposed on women in the public sector lack of protection for survivors of abuse ?? Forced Labor and Economic Hardship Authorities continue the systematic use of forced labor, particularly during the cotton harvest, coercing public sector workers to participate. The report also highlights rising food prices, shortages of essential goods, and increasing pressure on small business owners. ?? Censorship and Internet Restrictions The government maintains one of the world’s most repressive media environments, banning independent journalism and aggressively blocking VPN services, news websites, and communication platforms. ? Statement by DAYANÇ The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” confirms the findings of Human Rights Watch based on continuous documentation, testimonies from citizens, and direct monitoring of violations. We stress that: ?? Human rights abuses in Turkmenistan are systemic and deliberate ?? State institutions operate with total impunity ?? Urgent international action is required We call on: — United Nations mechanisms — democratic governments — international human rights organizations to intensify pressure on Turkmen authorities, demand access for independent monitors, ensure the release of political prisoners, end arbitrary travel bans, and protect activists facing persecution.