A Resource-Rich Country — Hungry Children: Who Is Responsible for the Conditions of Children’s Recreation in Turkmenistan?

A Resource-Rich Country — Hungry Children: Who Is Responsible for the Conditions of Children’s Recreation in Turkmenistan? Against the backdrop of official claims about the well-being of children in Turkmenistan, increasingly different accounts are emerging — reports of inadequate food in kindergartens, families struggling to prepare their children for school, and now poor conditions at children’s health and recreation centres. On 10 August 2026, Radio Azatlyk reported complaints from parents about conditions at children’s recreation centres in Gökdere. According to the outlet’s sources, children complain of hunger, inadequate food, unsanitary conditions, insects, and other problems. One mother said that she gives her child money every day to buy additional food because the meals provided are insufficient. Other parents also report having to purchase food for their children themselves. It is becoming increasingly difficult to regard such reports as isolated incidents. Turkmenistan possesses enormous natural gas reserves and other natural resources. These resources belong to the country and its people. This raises a simple question: why, in a state with such wealth, must parents provide additional food for children sent to health and recreation centres? Why are more and more families saying that they struggle to prepare their children for school or provide for their basic needs? This is not about luxury. Adequate nutrition, safe and sanitary conditions, education, healthcare, and opportunities for healthy development are fundamental rights of every child. We call on the authorities of Turkmenistan to conduct an independent inspection of kindergartens, schools, and children’s health and recreation centres; ensure adequate nutrition and safe conditions for children; and make the findings of these inspections public. Problems affecting children must not be concealed behind polished official reports. We also call on UNICEF to pay close attention to these reports and, within its mandate, facilitate an independent assessment of the situation of children in Turkmenistan, including nutrition, sanitary conditions, and access to essential social services. A country’s natural wealth should first and foremost be reflected in the quality of life of its people. If a child goes hungry in a resource-rich country, the question should not be directed at the parents — it should be directed at the state. Source regarding conditions in Gökdere: Radio Azatlyk, 10 August 2026.