Turkmenistan’s Ombudsperson’s Office Advances Toward GANHRI Accreditation with UNDP Support

Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: In a significant move to strengthen its national human rights institution, the Ombudsperson’s Office of Turkmenistan engaged in a milestone Dialogue with the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) in October 2024. This engagement marks a crucial step in Turkmenistan’s journey toward international recognition, as the Ombudsperson’s Office seeks GANHRI accreditation, signaling its adherence to global standards in human rights protection.

Since January 2021, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan has provided strategic support to the Ombudsperson’s Office in aligning its operations with the Paris Principles, the recognized global standard for national human rights institutions. As part of these efforts, the Office submitted its Statement of Compliance to GANHRI in May 2024. To further assist the institution in meeting GANHRI’s accreditation criteria, UNDP organized a series of preparatory initiatives, including capacity-building workshops, consultations, and mock sessions, equipping the Ombudsperson’s Office for its engagement with the SCA.

The GANHRI SCA plays a pivotal role in assessing national human rights institutions’ alignment with the Paris Principles, focusing on the institution’s independence, transparency, and effectiveness in protecting human rights. Achieving GANHRI accreditation will bolster the Ombudsperson’s Office by enhancing its credibility, autonomy, and capacity to act as a robust advocate for human rights within Turkmenistan.

UNDP’s support of Turkmenistan’s accreditation efforts aligns with its broader commitment to fostering human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. These initiatives are integral to Turkmenistan’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, advancing inclusive and equitable governance.

Successful GANHRI accreditation would mark a new chapter for the Ombudsperson’s Office, empowering it to uphold human rights more effectively and build international partnerships that reflect Turkmenistan’s dedication to global human rights standards.