Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women reviews report of Turkmenistan

11 October 2012

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today considered the combined third and fourth periodic report of Turkmenistan on how that country is implementing the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Introducing the report, Yazdursun Gurbannazarova, Director of the Turkmen National Institute of Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan, said since independence in 1991 Turkmenistan had headed for systematic reforms in many areas of societal life to create benchmarks for a decent standard of living for all citizens without exception. Laws to support equality were in place and different groups in society were involved in the development and implementation of legislation. Women wereinvolved in education, society and family life without hindrance and work was being done to improve opportunities in employment and education. Health services were also developing as was access to finance. The Family Code introduced this year protected from forced marriage and allowed provisions for divorce.

During the discussion Committee Experts asked about the existence of gender-based non-governmental organizations in the country and their operation, the application of CEDAW recommendations in national law, the extent of consideration of civil rights, the issue of prison overcrowding and the extent of sexual stereotypes. Issues were raised in relation to data collection and reporting, the decriminalisation of homosexuality, reporting and prevention of violence, stigma in divorce, the requirement of a dress code and steps to tackle human trafficking.

In concluding remarks, Ms. Gurbannazarova