Concern Regarding Rising Prices, Economic Conditions, and Lack of Official Information for Citizens of Turkmenistan

Concern Regarding Rising Prices, Economic Conditions, and Lack of Official Information for Citizens of Turkmenistan Dear Sir/Madam, The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” Turkmenistan expresses its serious concern regarding the worsening socio-economic situation in Turkmenistan amid the current regional tensions and the reduction of goods supplies from neighboring Iran. According to reports from international media and independent sources, in recent days Turkmenistan has experienced a sharp increase in prices for food and essential goods. Available information indicates that the prices of several basic food products in local markets have significantly increased due to reduced imports and supply disruptions. It is important to emphasize that the current rise in prices is occurring against the background of an already existing economic crisis in Turkmenistan. For several years, citizens of the country have been facing serious socio-economic difficulties and extremely low income levels. At the same time, wages, pensions, and child benefits in the country are not comparable to the real prices of food and basic goods, which significantly worsens the living standards of a large part of the population. Under conditions of further price increases, this situation may lead to even more severe consequences for millions of citizens, especially for socially vulnerable groups. In such circumstances, transparency, openness, and responsible state policy become particularly important. However, at present there is virtually no information available on official information resources or state media channels in Turkmenistan that could explain to citizens the ongoing economic developments, possible risks, or the measures being taken by the government to stabilize the situation. The absence of reliable and timely information only increases public anxiety and creates conditions for speculation and uncontrolled price increases. The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” Turkmenistan believes that citizens of the country possess fundamental rights, including: • the right to receive accurate and timely information about events affecting their economic security and well-being; • the right to protection from unjustified price increases and market speculation; • the right to responsible socio-economic policy and effective measures to protect the population. In this regard, we respectfully call upon the international community, human rights organizations, and diplomatic missions to: • pay attention to the current socio-economic situation in Turkmenistan; • encourage the authorities of Turkmenistan to ensure transparent and open communication with citizens; • promote the adoption of measures to control and stabilize prices for food and essential goods; • support dialogue on social protection, economic transparency, and the protection of fundamental citizens’ rights. We also provide the following link to additional information on this issue: https://x.com/i/status/2032108721246011708 Citizens of Turkmenistan have the right to know the truth about what is happening in their country and to understand what measures the state is taking to protect their well-being and security. Respectfully, Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” Turkmenistan Website: https://dayanchcivil.com