New EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan: Hope for an Open Dialogue with Civil Society

New EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan: Hope for an Open Dialogue with Civil Society The Dayanç Civil Human Rights Platform / Turkmenistan congratulates Mr Luc Devigne on his appointment as Ambassador of the European Union to Turkmenistan and on the beginning of his diplomatic mission in Ashgabat. On 9 September, Ambassador Devigne presented his credentials to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The beginning of a new diplomatic mission is not only an opportunity to further develop relations between the European Union and Turkmenistan, but also an important moment to strengthen dialogue on human rights, the rule of law, and engagement with independent civil society. We sincerely hope that during Ambassador Devigne’s tenure, the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan will pay particular attention not only to official dialogue with state institutions, but also to the voices of independent civil society activists, human rights defenders, journalists, victims of human rights violations, and citizens of Turkmenistan who are often unable to speak openly about the problems they face inside the country. Human Rights Must Remain an Integral Part of the Dialogue Despite official statements concerning reforms and the development of international cooperation, the situation regarding fundamental rights and freedoms in Turkmenistan continues to raise serious concerns. We believe that particular attention should be paid to restrictions on freedom of expression and access to independent information; restrictions on freedom of movement, including arbitrary travel bans and difficulties in obtaining or renewing passports; pressure on activists and their relatives, including beyond Turkmenistan’s borders; violence against women and children and the lack of effective protection mechanisms; forced labour; the absence of effective and safe mechanisms for submitting complaints; and serious concerns regarding judicial independence and citizens’ access to effective legal remedies. Direct engagement between the European Union and independent civil society is particularly important. In circumstances where independent human rights organisations have virtually no opportunity to operate freely and officially inside Turkmenistan, dialogue with activists both inside the country and abroad remains one of the few ways to obtain independent information about the actual situation faced by citizens. We Are Open to Cooperation The Dayanç Civil Human Rights Platform / Turkmenistan expresses its readiness for constructive cooperation with Ambassador Devigne and the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan. We are prepared to provide documented appeals and testimonies from citizens, information on individual human rights cases, analytical materials and recommendations, as well as to facilitate dialogue with victims of violations and representatives of independent Turkmen civil society. We hope that throughout his mission, Ambassador Luc Devigne will not only engage with the official representatives of Turkmenistan but will also maintain a regular and substantive dialogue with independent human rights defenders and civil society activists. The European Union has consistently affirmed that respect for human rights, human dignity, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms are among the core principles guiding its external action. We hope to see these principles reflected in the practical work of the EU Delegation in Turkmenistan. We congratulate Ambassador Luc Devigne on the beginning of his mission and wish him every success. We hope that this new chapter in EU–Turkmenistan relations will also mark a new stage of direct and meaningful dialogue between the European Union and Turkmenistan’s independent civil society. Diana Dadasheva Chair Dayanç Civil Human Rights Platform / Turkmenistan France Lala Abdyrakhmanova Representative Dayanç Civil Human Rights Platform / Turkmenistan Türkiye 🌐 http://dayanchcivil.com/