Official Complaint Regarding Systematic Human Rights Violations in Turkmenistan (Children and Students)

Official Complaint Regarding Systematic Human Rights Violations in Turkmenistan (Children and Students) Dear Sir or Madam, The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” (Turkmenistan) respectfully expresses its deep concern regarding the ongoing and systematic human rights violations in Turkmenistan, particularly those affecting children, students, and public sector employees. We consider it necessary to urgently draw your attention to an established pattern of practices that constitute serious violations of international human rights standards, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. --- Systematic Coercion and Exploitation According to verified information from independent sources and eyewitness testimonies, students, schoolchildren, and public sector employees in Turkmenistan are regularly and forcibly mobilized to participate in state-organized mass events, ceremonies, and propaganda activities. Recent reports confirm that during official visits of the President to the Mary and Lebap regions, participants—including minors—were forced to remain outdoors for hours without access to water, food, or basic sanitary conditions. As a result, cases of loss of consciousness were recorded. Source: https://www.azattyk.org These practices are not isolated incidents. They represent a systemic and institutionalized pattern in which: - students are removed from the educational process and compelled to participate in staged events - minors are exposed to health risks and psychological pressure - participants are required to cover their own transportation and food expenses - refusal to participate may result in administrative pressure or negative consequences --- Violations of Children’s Rights We are particularly concerned about the systematic involvement of children in such practices. We draw special attention to a documented case that occurred on 12 December 2025 in Ashgabat, during the official visit of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to Turkmenistan. According to available information, young children were forcibly brought outdoors at 04:00 in the morning to participate in a protocol reception ceremony. The children were kept outside in cold weather conditions, and many of them were lightly dressed in clothing inappropriate for the temperature, posing a direct threat to their health. Their participation was not voluntary: - children were mobilized through educational institutions - the best interests of the child were not taken into account - basic safety conditions, including protection from cold and exposure, were not ensured This case constitutes a serious violation of fundamental children’s rights, including: - the right to health - the right to protection from exploitation - the right to rest and safe living conditions - the principle of the best interests of the child These actions contradict the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular: - Article 3 (best interests of the child) - Article 19 (protection from harm and abuse) - Article 24 (right to health) - Article 32 (protection from exploitation) Video evidence demonstrating the involvement of children in such events is publicly available: https://x.com/i/status/2014617868017578072 https://x.com/i/status/2000825069719724345 This case is not an isolated incident but reflects a systemic practice of using children as elements of state protocol and propaganda. Furthermore, broader systemic issues affecting children in Turkmenistan include: - lack of access to independent psychological support - increasing psychological vulnerability among adolescents - the social consequences of large-scale labor migration of parents - absence of effective protection mechanisms against violence and exploitation Additional source: https://turkmen.news/turkmenistan-skrytiy-lider-po-podrostkovym-samoubiystvam-v-centralnoy-azii/ --- Use of Students and Public Sector Employees as Instruments of Pressure There is also substantial evidence that students and public sector employees are systematically used as a controlled mass for state events, including sports events and public ceremonies. They are required to: - attend events under coercion - purchase tickets at their own expense - comply with imposed dress codes - participate in rehearsals and staged performances Such actions contain elements of forced labor and violate fundamental human rights, including freedom of choice, freedom of assembly, and protection from economic coercion. --- Systemic Nature of Violations Based on years of monitoring and repeated submissions by our organization, we emphasize that these violations are systemic in nature. We have previously raised concerns on multiple occasions regarding: - forced labor practices involving students and public sector employees - the use of children for state propaganda purposes - lack of transparency and accountability - restrictions on independent monitoring and reporting These facts indicate not isolated misconduct, but a deeply entrenched system supported at the institutional level. --- Call for Action In light of the above, we respectfully call on your office to: 1. Initiate an independent international investigation into forced participation in state events in Turkmenistan 2. Assess violations of children’s rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child 3. Examine the use of students and minors in conditions that threaten their health and dignity 4. Urge the Government of Turkmenistan to immediately cease these practices 5. Ensure access for international human rights monitoring mechanisms We also urge you to request official clarification from the authorities of Turkmenistan regarding these cases and their compliance with international obligations. --- Conclusion Children and young people must never be used as instruments of propaganda or subjected to conditions that endanger their health and dignity. The current situation in Turkmenistan requires urgent international attention and response. We remain ready to provide additional materials, testimonies, and evidence upon request. --- Sincerely, Diana Dadasheva Chair Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” (Turkmenistan) Official website: https://www.dayanchcivil.com Additional video evidence: https://x.com/i/status/2014617868017578072 https://x.com/i/status/2000825069719724345 https://youtu.be/-3MowGtZ5lo?si=MzQ5h9md1mj6tfc8