Systematic Denial of Passports to Turkmen Citizens Abroad as a Form of Repression and Violation of International Human Rights Law

Dear Sir/Madam, The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” respectfully brings to your attention a grave and ongoing human rights crisis affecting thousands of citizens of Turkmenistan living abroad. For several years, the authorities of Turkmenistan have systematically refused to renew or issue international passports to their citizens residing outside the country. This practice has left migrant workers, students, and entire families in legal limbo, unable to maintain lawful residence, work legally, access healthcare, or secure basic social protection in host countries. The refusal of passport services is not an administrative failure. It is a deliberate policy used as a tool of pressure and coercion to force citizens to return to Turkmenistan, where many face a serious risk of arbitrary travel bans, intimidation, and other forms of repression. Numerous individuals who returned to renew their passports have subsequently been prohibited from leaving the country. Others have been removed from flights, stopped at border checkpoints, and placed on secret “no-exit lists” without explanation or access to judicial remedies. Violation of National Law These actions directly contradict Turkmenistan’s own legislation. Under Article 29 of the Migration Law of Turkmenistan, diplomatic and consular missions are obligated to process and issue passports to citizens residing abroad. This legal obligation is systematically ignored. At the same time, Article 30 of the Migration Law is used to justify arbitrary travel bans, enabling mass restrictions on freedom of movement without due process. Violation of International Human Rights Obligations This policy constitutes a serious breach of Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Turkmenistan is a State Party. The arbitrary denial of passports interferes with the right to freedom of movement, the right to leave and return to one’s own country, and the right to obtain documents necessary to exercise these freedoms. The use of identity documents as instruments of control and punishment represents a form of transnational repression. Consequences for the International Community The impact of this policy extends far beyond Turkmenistan. • It creates large populations of undocumented migrants exposed to exploitation, trafficking, and forced labor • It destabilizes host countries’ migration systems • It increases humanitarian vulnerability • It contributes to regional insecurity and irregular migration • It undermines international human rights mechanisms By deliberately denying passports, Turkmenistan exports repression across borders. Our Appeal The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” urgently calls on the international community to: ? demand that Turkmenistan immediately resume passport issuance and renewal abroad ? ensure implementation of Article 29 of Turkmen law ? urge repeal or reform of Article 30 in line with international standards ? end arbitrary travel bans ? guarantee due process and judicial remedies ? hold Turkmen authorities accountable under international human rights law Freedom of movement is not a privilege — it is a fundamental human right. Passports must never be used as tools of repression. We respectfully request your attention, engagement, and action to prevent further human suffering and to uphold the principles of international law. Sincerely, Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan”