HUMAN RIGHTS REFORM TO IMPLEMENT INTERNATIONAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 000520

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, DRL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL TX
SUBJECT: HUMAN RIGHTS REFORM TO IMPLEMENT INTERNATIONAL
COMMITMENTS


1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet.


2. (SBU) SUMMARY: On April 15, the director of the National
Institute for Democracy and Human Rights discussed Turkmenistan's
efforts at human rights reform with Assistant Secretary for South
and Central Asia Richard Boucher. During the abbreviated meeting,
caused by the director's last minute scheduling conflict, she
highlighted recent efforts by the government to comply with the
country's international human rights commitments. While welcoming
collaboration with partners to bring Turkmenistan's laws in
conformity with global human rights norms, the choice of partners is
restricted, and engagement with the Red Cross will not result in
quick prison access. END SUMMARY.

NEW CONSTITUTION: BASIS FOR FURTHER REFORMS


3. (SBU) On April 15, the director of the National Institute for
Democracy and Human Rights, Shirin Akmedova, discussed
Turkmenistan's efforts at human rights reform with Assistant
Secretary for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher. Boucher asked
Akmedova to describe how recent changes to the Constitution and
legislative reforms are being implemented. Akmedova explained that
the constitutional changes establish three branches of government,
expand citizens' rights, and provide the basis for further reform.



4. (SBU) Akmedova referred to the January 9 opening session of the
Mejlis (Parliament),saying that President Berdimuhamedov used the
occasion to emphasize Turkmenistan's priority of bringing its laws
in conformity with international standards. In that light, she said
the Mejlis would ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women during
its upcoming session. This action responds to a recommendation made
at the UN Human Rights Commission's Universal Periodic Review of
Turkmenistan, and Akmedova noted that not all countries have
undergone the review process. During 2009, Turkmenistan will submit
reports under the Convention on Civil and Political Rights and the
Convention against Torture. The reports will be prepared by an
interagency commission established to oversee implementation of
Turkmenistan's human rights obligations.

SCHOOL CURRICULA INCLUDE RIGHTS AWARENESS


5. (SBU) Regarding the constitutional guarantee of citizens'
rights, Boucher asked whether there is a civic education program so
that people can learn about their rights. Akmedova said all
secondary schools and universities include a "rights" course in the
curriculum. Students learn about the Constitution and fundamental
rights and freedoms. The Institute promotes rights awareness among
officials and ordinary citizens, often working in collaboration with
international organizations. She said activities take place on a
near weekly basis, citing the example of a meeting earlier that day
with United Nations Development Program to plan election
rights-related activities in connection with the July 2009 local
elections. In other words, "the work continues without stopping."
When Boucher asked if the Institute cooperates with NGOs such as
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, Akmedova replied that
they cooperate only with groups that have local representatives,
with the exception of two USAID implementing partners -- the
International Center for Not-for-Profit Law and Internews.

AKMEDOVA: THERE ARE NO POLITICAL PRISONERS


6. (SBU) Boucher asked whether there is any systematic way to
review prison cases, and also about the prospects for prison visits
by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Akmedova responded
straightforwardly that prisoners had been detained, convicted and
sentenced, and inasmuch as they had committed crimes, they are
criminals. She said the Turkmenistan Criminal Code does not allow
for the detention of political prisoners. Regarding Red Cross
access to prisons, a meeting with the Red Cross last year resulted
in a step-by-step process of engagement, beginning with activities
to increase awareness among penitentiary officials. Training for
Interior Ministry officials took place last year, and training

ASHGABAT 00000520 002 OF 002


continues this year for others. The second step involves access to
prisons by the Red Cross.


7. (SBU) In response to Boucher's question about suggested areas
for increased bilateral cooperation, Akmedova suggested education
and research. The Institute is a research body and is already
cooperating with USAID in areas like reform of the laws on religion,
public organizations and media. Planned activities "will be pursued
actively."


8. (U) Assistant Secretary Boucher cleared this cable.

MILES