Turkmenistan Highlights Humanitarian Priorities and Statelessness Efforts at UNHCR Session in Geneva
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: Turkmenistan has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian priorities and efforts to eradicate statelessness during the 77th session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), held in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 12 to 16, 2026.
Turkmenistan was represented at the international forum by A. Sazakov, Chairman of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.
Addressing the plenary session on October 12, the head of the Turkmen delegation emphasised that humanitarian considerations remain a priority of the country’s state policy.
Participants were briefed on Turkmenistan’s key achievements in implementing its National Action Plan to End Statelessness. The delegation also highlighted the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan to declare 2028 the “Year of International Law”.
On October 15, Sazakov met with Barham Salih, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, for discussions on cooperation and the longstanding partnership between Turkmenistan and UNHCR.
During the constructive exchange of views, both sides expressed satisfaction with the strategic nature of their partnership and acknowledged the importance of continued cooperation on humanitarian issues.
High Commissioner Barham Salih commended Turkmenistan’s recognised leadership in Central Asia in addressing statelessness and facilitating the granting of citizenship to individuals in need of protection.
Turkmenistan’s participation in the session underscored its continued engagement with international efforts to address statelessness, strengthen humanitarian cooperation and promote the protection of vulnerable populations.
