EU Presidency Statement - Situation of human rights in Turkmenistan

Introduction to draft Resolution on the "Situation of human rights in Turkmenistan" (A/C.3/59/L.53)

Mr. Chairperson,

On behalf of the European Union, the United States and the other co-sponsors, I have the honour to introduce under agenda item 105(c) the draft resolution entitled "Situation of Human Rights in Turkmenistan", co-tabled with the United States of America, as contained in document A/C.3/59/L.53.

Mr. Chairperson,

We thank Turkmenistan for the extensive and constructive dialogue we have had with them on this resolution, which has been revised on the basis of their comments.

We regret that it has once again been necessary to present a draft resolution on this issue. Despite some improvements in the human rights situation in Turkmenistan, the overall picture remains one of serious concern.

The draft before you reflects the positive steps that have been taken, such an increase in the ability of certain religious minority groups to practise their religion; President Niyazov's comments that representatives of the international community are welcome to visit Turkmen prisons and the dialogue with the Personal Envoy of the Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE for Central Asia;

However, improvements on paper and good intentions alone do not suffice. Our primary concern is the human rights situation on the ground, and regrettably there are areas where little improvement has been made. Thus attention has had to be drawn once again to the persistence of a government policy based on the repression of all political opposition activities. The legal system continues to be abused through arbitrary detention, and there are continued restrictions on the exercise of the freedoms of thought, conscience, religion and belief. This resolution expresses concern at discrimination against ethnic Russian, Uzbek and other minorities.

The resolution, inter alia, calls on the Turkmen Government to ensure full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this regard, the resolution, inter alia, calls for the implementation of the past two CHR resolutions on this subject.

The present resolution is meant as a basis for further dialogue and engagement with the Government of Turkmenistan with a view to improve the human rights situation in that country. It is accordingly our hope that it will be adopted with the widest possible support.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.

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