Open Letter to U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood Dear Ambassador Elizabeth Rood, The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement "Dayanch" / Turkmenistan extends its sincere appreciation for your dedicated service in Turkmenistan and for your efforts to strengthen cooperation between the United States of America and Turkmenistan. As your diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan comes to an end, we respectfully ask you to use the remaining time of your tenure to draw attention to one of the most alarming and high-profile human rights cases in recent months—the case of Ogulnur Pelvanova, a minor, and her mother, Jeren Altyyeva. According to the information and documentation available to our organization, the family has suffered the devastating consequences of alleged sexual violence, while also being denied an effective and impartial investigation. Instead of obtaining justice, the family reports being subjected to pressure intended to discourage them from seeking the reopening of criminal proceedings against the alleged perpetrator. We are deeply concerned that the victims of violence may be left without protection while those responsible evade accountability. We respectfully ask you to consider raising this issue with the Government of the United States, the U.S. Department of State, and during your diplomatic engagement with the authorities of Turkmenistan. We firmly believe that international attention to this case could play a crucial role in ensuring an independent, impartial, and effective investigation, protecting the victims, and preventing further pressure and intimidation against the family. Regrettably, this is not an isolated case. In recent years, social media platforms and human rights organizations have continued to receive reports of sexual violence against women and minors in Turkmenistan. Many victims remain afraid to seek justice due to fear of retaliation, social stigma, and the absence of effective mechanisms for protection and support. We believe that justice for Ogulnur Pelvanova and Jeren Altyyeva could become a powerful signal to thousands of other victims that their rights matter and that the international community stands ready to support them in their pursuit of justice. We would be sincerely and profoundly grateful if, before the conclusion of your diplomatic mission, you could help bring international attention to this case. Your voice and diplomatic authority have the potential not only to help one family, but also to give hope to thousands of women and children subjected to violence that justice is possible, perpetrators can be held accountable, and victims deserve protection and support. We also respectfully call for support for the following measures: Conducting an independent, impartial, and effective investigation; Ensuring the safety and protection of Jeren Altyyeva, Ogulnur Pelvanova, and their family members; Ending all forms of pressure and intimidation against the victims; Holding those responsible accountable in accordance with the law; Establishing independent crisis centers, confidential hotlines, and accessible psychological and legal assistance for victims of violence in Turkmenistan. We sincerely hope that the protection of the rights of women and children will remain among the important issues to which you will be able to draw attention during the final days of your diplomatic mission. With the highest respect, Diana Dadasheva Chair Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement "Dayanch" / Turkmenistan Lala Abdyrahmanova Representative Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement "Dayanch" / Turkmenistan --- Contact Information Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement "Dayanch" / Turkmenistan Website: https://dayanchcivil.com Email: dayanch.civil@gmail.com
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