2002 Press Releases

U.S. Embassy Marks International Human Rights Day by Recognizing Non-Governmental Organizations of Turkmenistan

Dec. 11, 2002

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, December 10, 2002, Ambassador Laura Kennedy held a reception to honor the ideals set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights promulgated in 1948, 54 years ago. She noted President Bush's message designating December 10 as Human Rights Day in the U.S.

Ambassador Kennedy took this opportunity to recognize the contributions of non-governmental organizations of Turkmenistan. In her remarks, Ambassador Kennedy stressed that non-governmental organizations play a vital role in building civil society, in promoting health, education, and the environment, and in publicizing campaigns against global threats such as narcotics, HIV/AIDS, and trafficking in persons. The United States Government recognizes the contributions these organizations make to their societies. The U.S. Government has discussed with the Government of Turkmenistan the importance of regularizing the registration and operation of such groups and hopes that this goal will be realized soon.

At the reception, attended by representatives from NGOs from across the country, the Mejlis, the media and the international community, the Ambassador presented awards to 27 non-governmental organizations for successful completion of their programs. The U.S. Government provides support to a number of non-governmental organizations throughout Turkmenistan and values the efforts of other governments and international funds such as the British Department for International Development, World Bank, and the United Nations, which also support NGOs in Turkmenistan.