A CHILD CRIED FOR HELP. THE STATE DID NOT LISTEN.

🚨 A CHILD CRIED FOR HELP. THE STATE DID NOT LISTEN. A Child’s Suicide Attempt, Allegations of Sexual Violence, and Months of Official Inaction: A Case Demanding International Attention The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch” / Turkmenistan draws the attention of the international community to a case that raises serious concerns regarding the protection of children's rights, women's rights, and access to justice in Turkmenistan. Our organization has reviewed dozens of pages of documents, official responses from state authorities, medical records, complaints, and correspondence related to the case of a minor girl from the city of Bayramaly in the Mary Region and her mother. Behind these official documents lies the tragedy of a family that has spent months seeking justice and protection. When a Child No Longer Sees a Way Out According to the materials submitted, on 29 November 2025, Ogulnur Palvanova, born in 2014, attempted to take her own life. She was only eleven years old. According to available information, the tragedy was prevented only due to the timely intervention of adults. No child reaches such a point without experiencing profound emotional pain. A suicide attempt by a minor is always a serious warning sign that requires an immediate response from the state, law enforcement agencies, social services, and medical institutions. Instead of a thorough and effective investigation, however, the family encountered endless bureaucracy, the transfer of complaints from one institution to another, and a lack of meaningful action. Allegations of Sexual Violence The child's mother, Jeren Altyyeva, has repeatedly appealed to the law enforcement authorities of Turkmenistan, alleging that her daughter may have been subjected to sexual violence. Furthermore, Jeren Altyyeva states that she herself was also subjected to sexual violence. According to the documents reviewed, the family has repeatedly identified a specific individual — Mesgen Akmammedow — whom they believe to be responsible for these acts. In her complaints, the mother requested a full investigation, examination of all relevant circumstances, questioning of witnesses, review of medical evidence, and a legal assessment of the actions of the individual she identified. The Documents Exist. Justice Does Not. The Human Rights Platform “Dayanch” has obtained numerous documents confirming the family's efforts to seek protection through state institutions in Turkmenistan. These materials include: Complaints submitted to the Prosecutor General’s Office of Turkmenistan; Appeals to the Prosecutor’s Office of Ashgabat; Appeals to the Prosecutor’s Office of Bayramaly; Official responses from government authorities; Postal notifications and delivery confirmations; Medical records; Documents related to official reviews and examinations; Written statements and testimonies. A review of these documents demonstrates that the family repeatedly sought protection through legal channels. However, instead of an effective investigation, the complaints were repeatedly transferred between various institutions without achieving meaningful results. Who Will Protect the Child? The most alarming aspect of this case is the fate of the minor child. Any allegation of sexual violence against a child must be investigated thoroughly, independently, and impartially. This is not a matter of protecting reputations. It is not a matter of administrative statistics. It is a matter of a child's safety. It is a matter of a child's life. It is a matter of a child's future. If a state fails to protect a child after receiving allegations of abuse, a fundamental question arises: who, then, will protect that child? Turkmenistan’s International Obligations Turkmenistan is a party to several international treaties that require the protection of children from all forms of violence. These include: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. These instruments require states not merely to receive complaints but to conduct effective investigations, protect victims, and ensure accountability for perpetrators. Silence Cannot Be the Answer This case is not only about one family. It is about a principle. If allegations of sexual violence against a child are not effectively investigated, a culture of impunity is allowed to flourish. If a mother trying to protect her daughter spends months seeking justice without success, public trust in the justice system is undermined. If a child attempts suicide and the state fails to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to such a tragedy, serious questions arise regarding the state's commitment to protecting children's rights. The Call of the Human Rights Platform “Dayanch” The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch” / Turkmenistan calls upon the authorities of Turkmenistan to: Conduct an independent, impartial, and effective investigation; Examine all medical and documentary evidence; Ensure the protection and safety of the victims; Provide a legal assessment of all circumstances of the case; Investigate the actions and omissions of officials who handled the family's complaints; Guarantee justice and prevent impunity. We also call upon international organizations, diplomatic missions, United Nations bodies, the OSCE, the European Union, and the international human rights community to closely monitor developments in this case. Every child has the right to safety. Every woman has the right to protection. Every victim of violence has the right to be heard. And no child should ever be left alone with their pain. Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch” / Turkmenistan