Juan Gasparini/HRT

The European Union, Canada, Switzerland and Uruguay have taken the initiative to present a resolution to appoint an independent expert in charge of following the human rights situation in Turkmenistan. The 47 member states in the Human Rights Council appear divided on the proposal. The denunciations of violations that reach the UN are treated under the confidential procedure known as 1503. Innumerable cases have accumulated since 2003, including massive and systematic violations, arbitrary detentions, torture, assassinations, disappearances, irregular legal proceedings, limits on freedom of the press and opposition parties.

On Monday (September 15) the Council met in closed session to address the problem. Turkmenistan responded to the allegations but according to a source close to the problem, he contented himself with giving vague promises. Next Monday (September 23) the Council must meet again to make a decision on appointing an expert.

NGOs approve appointing a new Rapporteur. For Julie Gromellon Mungengo, the Geneva representative of the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH), ‘the time is ripe to create such a mechanism which would permit measuring concretely the good will of the government to improve respect for rights and liberties and to honor its international obligations.’ Peter Splinter of Amnesty International estimates that a special procedure for Turkmenistan would be ‘a first positive step for the Council in focusing on violations that we have pointed out for a long time. One must not forget that this country has not accepted up to now to receive a visit from thematic Rapporteurs.’

Translated by PT