Concerning the Death of a Conscript Soldier and Systemic Human Rights Concerns in the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan

OFFICIAL APPEAL Civil Movement Human Rights Platform DAYANÇ Turkmenistan Concerning the Death of a Conscript Soldier and Systemic Human Rights Concerns in the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan The Civil Movement Human Rights Platform DAYANÇ Turkmenistan respectfully draws the attention of international institutions, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the European Parliament, and international human rights organizations, to the alarming human rights situation within the armed forces of Turkmenistan. According to information reported by Radio Azatlyk Turkmenistan, a conscript soldier from the Balkan region died in an artillery military unit located in Turkmenabat, Lebap region. According to available reports, the soldier entered a bathhouse within the military facility and was later found there without signs of life. His body was subsequently delivered to his family by military personnel. Preliminary information suggests that the death may have occurred as a result of poisoning, however no official explanation has been provided to the family and no transparent investigation results have been made public. Journalists from Radio Azatlyk attempted to obtain comments from military authorities in the Lebap and Balkan regions, but were unable to receive any official information. The lack of transparency surrounding such incidents raises serious concerns regarding accountability and the protection of the rights of soldiers and their families. This tragic case appears to reflect a broader and systemic problem within the armed forces of Turkmenistan. Numerous reports indicate the existence of widespread hazing, violence, abuse of conscripts, corruption, and intimidation within the military system. Families of deceased soldiers frequently report being pressured or intimidated when attempting to obtain information regarding the circumstances of their relatives’ deaths or when demanding an investigation. Particularly concerning is the reported lack of independent oversight and transparency regarding deaths, suicides, and other serious incidents involving conscripts. Information about such cases is often withheld from the public. In addition, recent reporting by independent media outlet Turkmen.news indicates that the armed forces are currently experiencing a significant кадровый crisis, including a growing number of officers leaving military service. According to these reports, the authorities have begun offering officers the opportunity to serve in their home regions in an attempt to prevent further resignations. Taken together, these developments suggest deep structural problems within the armed forces of Turkmenistan, including inadequate service conditions, insufficient protections for soldiers, and a climate of fear and impunity. Military service in Turkmenistan remains mandatory for young men between the ages of 18 and 20, and no alternative civilian service exists. In such circumstances, the state bears a heightened responsibility to ensure the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of all conscripts. In light of these concerns, the Civil Movement Human Rights Platform DAYANÇ Turkmenistan respectfully calls upon international institutions to: • urge the authorities of Turkmenistan to conduct a transparent, independent, and impartial investigation into the death of the conscript soldier in Turkmenabat • ensure that the family of the deceased soldier receives full information regarding the circumstances of his death • call on the government of Turkmenistan to end the practice of intimidation and pressure against families of deceased soldiers • request independent monitoring of human rights conditions within the armed forces of Turkmenistan • encourage Turkmenistan to bring its military system into compliance with international human rights standards The protection of the lives and dignity of young citizens serving in the military is a fundamental responsibility of any state. Lack of transparency and accountability in cases involving the deaths of conscripts undermines trust in public institutions and raises serious human rights concerns. We respectfully request that international institutions pay close attention to the situation of conscripts and servicemen in Turkmenistan and engage with the Turkmen authorities in order to promote transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights. Sources Radio Azatlyk Turkmenistan https://youtu.be/xcU_M4APFHc⁠� Turkmen.news https://turkmen.news/2026/03/13/oficeram-v-turkmenistane-predlagayut-sluzhit-v-svoih-regionah-chtoby-ostanovit-uvolneniya/⁠�