Embassy News

U.S. Support for Development of Turkmenistan’s NGO Legislation

PAS No 212
April 04, 2008

ASHGABAT, April 4, 2008—Supported by funding from the United States of America, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), in partnership with the Turkmen National Institute of Democracy and Human Rights (IDHR), completed a two-day seminar for Turkmen government officials and leading civic organizations on international standards and legislation designed to support the development of non-governmental organizations or NGOs.  The seminar brought together international legal experts on the issue as well as key governmental and non-governmental representatives.

Speaking yesterday at the opening of the seminar, the Director of the IDHR, Shirin Ahmedova, said “It is critical for us to hold this seminar as a step in international cooperation in reforming the legislation of Turkmenistan to bring it into compliance with international standards.  Improving the laws on public associations and other noncommercial organizations will help to further the democratic process and development of civil society in Turkmenistan.”

The seminar, the first of its kind in Turkmenistan, focused on laws and best practices from countries throughout the region that regulate the financing, registration and activities of NGOs seeking to address important social issues.  ICNL legal experts from throughout Eurasia led the seminar for some 30 government officials including members of Turkmenistan’s parliament, representatives of IDHR, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy and Development, the State Tax Services.  Representatives of the Trade Union Council, the Union of Women, the Union of Youth, the Peace Foundation and the Red Crescent Society also participated.

ICNL has been implementing USAID-funded programs to strengthen and support social services and NGOs in Central Asia for over 10 years.  The organization works with government officials, parliamentarians, and international and local organizations involved in all aspects of social services such as education, health, humanitarian relief, youth and sports, and protection of the environment.  ICNL is a US-based legal research organization providing technical assistance and analysis to leaders in over 80 countries worldwide.