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UNHCR Representative summarizes achievements in Turkmenistan

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan - Mr. Saber Azam, UNHCR Regional Representative/Regional Coordinator for Central Asia met with H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan. This meeting took place within the framework of last round of visits of Mr. Azam, in his capacity as UNHCR Regional Representative/Regional Coordinator for Central Asia. The meeting focused on joint achievements of UNHCR and the Government of Turkmenistan in the sphere of refugee protection, statelessness and emergency preparedness and response. President Berdymuhamedov and Mr. Azam also reviewed regional challenges.

"Cooperation with Turkmenistan has been extremely fruitful and successful for the last four years. In many areas, Turkmenistan exceeded expectations, serving as an example in the region. Turkmenistan was the first country among Central Asian republics to accede to both International Conventions on statelessness within less than a year. Successful joint statelessness registration exercise, conducted in the country resulted in granting citizenship to stateless persons. Thus, in 2005 about 16,000 stateless persons received residence permits and citizenship. For the last two years the country granted citizenship for almost 4,000 stateless persons. By these noble gestures, the country displayed its continued commitment and respect for human rights, giving the stateless persons access to education, medical services and ability to travel. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan, in particular His Excellency President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov , for very fruitful and successful cooperation. UNHCR would like to remain a solid partner of the Turkmen Government and support in all activities related to its mandate", underlined Mr. Saber Azam.

In the legislative sphere, Turkmenistan achieved considerable results in the review of the refugee law. The expertise, provided by UNHCR, allowed the law to incorporate international standards, making it one of the best in the region, ensuring not only legal protection of refugees, but also material support. Furthermore, the law on citizenship was amended and improved, complying currently with international norms and standards. Turkmenistan remains one of the first countries in Central Asia, which commits to the international standards by amending and improving its legal system.

In the area of emergency preparedness and response, which has significant importance in light of 2014 Afghanistan situation, Turkmenistan plays a crucial role. Mr. Azam assured that Turkmenistan will remain a strategic partner of UNHCR for peace and security in the region as well as for prevention of forced displacement. He underlined UNHCR's readiness to support the Government of Turkmenistan in case of necessity.

"Turkmenistan has initiated and hosted some major events with international dimension that provided opportunities for further developments and cooperation among states in the future in the fields of refugee protection and mixed migration as well as prevention of statelessness and forced displacement. In May 2012, Ashgabat hosted an International Conference on Refugees in the Muslim World, which resulted in the adoption of the Ashgabat declaration, a solid basis for future refugee protection and? international cooperation." - added Saber Azam.

The Permanent Neutrality Status of Turkmenistan is a remarkable asset which can be used to improve political, economic, humanitarian and security situations that could result into forced displacement of people. On the regional level, Turkmenistan plays an important role in the Almaty Process, aimed at protecting refugees and asylum seekers in the mixed migratory flows. The country remains an active participant of the regional platform for cooperation.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the leadership and Government of Turkmenistan for the very fruitful cooperation during my presence in the region. The Government of Turkmenistan is one of the most important partners of UNHCR in Central Asia. We have already an excellent record of cooperation since 1995; and I am confident that such spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding and respect will remain in the future. UNHCR is ready to support the efforts of the authorities by all means"- underlined Mr. Saber Azam