The Right to Food Must Not Become a Luxury: An Appeal to the Authorities of Turkmenistan and the International Community

The Right to Food Must Not Become a Luxury: An Appeal to the Authorities of Turkmenistan and the International Community Every new report by independent journalists on rising food prices in Turkmenistan is more than just an economic story. It is further evidence that an increasing number of families are struggling to secure one of the most fundamental human rights—the right to adequate and affordable food. According to the latest report by Azatlyk Radiosy, meat prices in Ahal Province have once again increased by 10–30 percent. For many residents, meat is gradually becoming unaffordable, forcing families to replace it with cheaper food products. However, the problem extends beyond rising prices alone. Equally alarming is the fact that in Turkmenistan, journalists, bloggers, and ordinary citizens who openly speak about social problems risk intimidation, persecution, and reprisals. The story of blogger Didar ("Hitrowskin") has become a tragic symbol of this reality. After publicly speaking about the sharp increase in meat prices, he disappeared. Later, Azatlyk Radiosy reported that its journalists had located his grave. To this day, the circumstances surrounding his death have not been subjected to an independent, effective, and transparent investigation. His story must not be forgotten. It is a reminder that without freedom of expression, it is impossible to protect social rights, economic rights, or human dignity. The Dayanç Human Rights Platform calls on the authorities of Turkmenistan to: Guarantee the population's right to adequate and affordable food in accordance with the country's international human rights obligations; Take effective measures to stabilize the prices of essential food products; Ensure transparency in state policies related to food security and the cost of living; End the persecution of citizens, journalists, bloggers, and human rights defenders for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression; Conduct an independent, effective, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Didar's death and ensure that those responsible are held accountable; Guarantee freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the safety of independent journalists. We also call upon the United Nations, the European Union, the OSCE, international human rights organizations, diplomatic missions, and democratic governments to: Pay greater attention to the socio-economic rights of the people of Turkmenistan; Raise concerns about rising food prices, poverty, and food security during bilateral and multilateral engagements with the authorities of Turkmenistan; Consistently support and protect independent journalists, bloggers, and civil society representatives who face persecution for peacefully expressing their views; Call for an independent and transparent investigation into Didar's death and other cases involving reprisals against individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression; Support the development of independent journalism and civil society as essential pillars of sustainable development and democratic accountability. The right to adequate food is a fundamental human right, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. States have a legal obligation to respect, protect, and fulfil this right. It is impossible to speak of prosperity when people are forced to reduce the quality of their diet because they can no longer afford basic food. It is impossible to guarantee the right to adequate food without protecting freedom of expression. It is impossible to solve social problems by silencing those who courageously bring them to public attention. Protecting the right to food, freedom of expression, and human dignity is not merely a domestic matter. It is part of the universal human rights obligations that every member of the international community has committed to uphold. Silence does not lower prices. Solidarity protects people.