31 October 2025, Ashgabat – The Ombudsman’s Office of Turkmenistan, in close partnership with UNICEF, concluded a week-long training programme led by experts from the Ombudsman Institution of the Republic of Türkiye, marking a major step forward in strengthening child-sensitive complaint handling and protection mechanisms in Turkmenistan.
Held from 26 to 30 October 2025, the training focused on practical approaches to child-sensitive case management, monitoring, confidentiality, and inter-agency cooperation. Turkish specialists shared standard operating procedures, real-life case experiences, and best practices that have proven effective in Türkiye’s child protection system.
The initiative stems directly from the expanding cooperation between the two Ombudsman institutions, which began during the Turkmenistan Ombudsman’s official study visit to Türkiye in May 2025, organized with UNICEF support. This collaboration continues to deepen institutional exchange, capacity-building, and knowledge transfer.
“This training is a significant outcome of the partnership between the Ombudsman institutions of Turkmenistan and Türkiye,” said Maaike Bijker, Officer-in-Charge of UNICEF in Turkmenistan. “By supporting capacity development and knowledge exchange, our Turkish counterparts are helping to ensure that every child’s rights are effectively protected and promoted.”
A dedicated session was also conducted for social workers from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population, frontline professionals who directly support vulnerable children and families. Discussions emphasized how Turkish models of child protection coordination, early referral, and case management can be adapted to Turkmenistan’s local context.
“This initiative marks an important step in strengthening Turkmenistan’s child protection system,” said Yazdursun Gurbannazarova, Ombudsman of Turkmenistan. “Learning from Türkiye’s experience, and working closely with social workers and institutions, will help ensure that complaint mechanisms are accessible, child-friendly, and effective. Cooperation and professional exchange are key to safeguarding the rights of every child.”
UNICEF reaffirmed its ongoing support to Turkmenistan in fulfilling its commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, implementing the National Action Plan for Realization of Children’s Rights (2023–2028), and advancing Sustainable Development Goal priorities. Through continued collaboration with Türkiye and other partners, the initiative aims to ensure that every child in Turkmenistan grows up safe, protected, and empowered.
