Concern Regarding the Appointment of Vepa Hajiyev as Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations in New York

Concern Regarding the Appointment of Vepa Hajiyev as Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations in New York Dear Sir/Madam, The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan would like to bring to your attention our serious concern regarding the appointment of Mr. Vepa Hajiyev as the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations in New York. We consider it necessary to state that this appointment raises significant concerns among representatives of civil society and human rights organizations monitoring the situation of human rights in Turkmenistan. In our view, a diplomat representing a country at the United Nations should primarily act in defense of the rights and interests of the citizens of his or her country and contribute to open dialogue and cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. However, the previous activities of Mr. Vepa Hajiyev, including his statements during sessions of the United Nations Committee Against Torture, demonstrate a different approach. In his public remarks, he has repeatedly questioned or denied widely documented cases of persecution of journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists in Turkmenistan. In particular, this concerns several well-known cases, including: — the case of Khudaiberdi Allashov, a journalist with Radio Azatlyk (RFE/RL), who reportedly faced pressure and ill-treatment after reporting on forced labor during the cotton harvest; — the case of independent journalist Soltan Achilova, who has repeatedly been denied the right to leave Turkmenistan in order to participate in international events; — the case of Mansur Mingelov, a human rights defender who has been serving a 22-year prison sentence since 2012 and reportedly suffers from serious health problems; — as well as other cases related to allegations of torture, persecution of civic activists, and the absence of transparent investigations. Instead of encouraging independent investigation of such cases and constructive engagement with international human rights mechanisms, Mr. Hajiyev’s statements have effectively justified the actions of the authorities and denied the existence of systemic problems. We believe that such a position contradicts the fundamental principles of the United Nations, including respect for human rights, human dignity, and the rule of law. The appointment of a person to such an important international position who publicly dismisses or discredits reports of human rights violations raises serious concerns regarding the willingness of the authorities of Turkmenistan to engage in open dialogue with the international community. In this regard, the Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan wishes to express its principled position: We strongly oppose the appointment of Mr. Vepa Hajiyev as Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations in New York. We believe that a representative of a state at an international institution should be a person who: — is willing to openly address human rights concerns; — defends the rights and freedoms of the citizens of his or her country; — promotes cooperation with international human rights mechanisms; — acts in the interests of society rather than in the interests of political power structures. We respectfully call on international human rights institutions and United Nations bodies to take note of this situation and to continue close monitoring of the human rights situation in Turkmenistan. The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan remains committed to promoting transparency, justice, and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all citizens of Turkmenistan. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Respectfully, Diana Dadasheva Chairperson Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan Website: https://www.dayanchcivil.com⁠�