Statement by the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “DAYANÇ” – Turkmenistan

Statement by the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “DAYANÇ” – Turkmenistan On the Right to Information and the Protection of Citizens in the Context of Regional Escalation Distinguished Chair, Esteemed representatives of the OSCE participating States, Dear colleagues, The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “DAYANÇ” – Turkmenistan would like to draw urgent attention to a critical issue — the lack of access to information for citizens of Turkmenistan in the context of rapidly escalating regional tensions. The right to access information is a fundamental human right, especially in times of crisis. However, in Turkmenistan, this right continues to be systematically restricted. If in previous years the issues of media independence and public access to information were raised but remained without adequate response, today the situation has reached a level where silence is no longer acceptable. The ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran are already having a direct and alarming impact on the situation of Turkmen citizens. According to reports from independent media: Iranian officials have issued statements containing threats toward Turkmenistan in connection with satellite broadcasting issues: https://turkmen.news/2026/03/16/iran-vystupil-s-voennymi-ugrozami-v-adres-turkmenistana-za-predostavlenie-sputnika-telekanalu-iran-international/⁠� Prices for food products, essential goods, and basic services have significantly increased amid regional instability: https://turkmen.news/2026/03/05/iz-za-voyny-v-irane-v-turkmenistane-podorozhali-produkty-bytovaya-himiya-stroymaterialy-i-sigarety/⁠� Residents of border regions in Iran, including ethnic Turkmens, are seeking refuge with relatives in Turkmenistan due to growing insecurity: https://www.hronikatm.com/2026/03/prozhivayushhie-v-prigranichnyh-rajonah-irana-turkmeny-ishhut-ubezhishhe-u-rodstvennikov-v-derevnyah-turkmenistana/⁠� Despite these alarming developments, the authorities of Turkmenistan and state-controlled media remain silent. Since the beginning of the escalation, the Human Rights Platform “DAYANÇ” – Turkmenistan has repeatedly called on the authorities to: provide transparent and timely information to the public; issue an official statement regarding the situation; inform citizens about safety measures and recommended actions in case of emergency; clarify whether there are evacuation plans in place; ensure measures to stabilize prices and protect the population from economic shocks. However, no official response or communication has been provided. This silence creates a dangerous vacuum of information, leaving citizens unprepared and vulnerable in the face of potential risks. In such a critical situation, lack of information is not merely an administrative failure — it is a direct threat to human security. We therefore respectfully call on the OSCE participating States to: urge the authorities of Turkmenistan to ensure access to reliable and timely information for all citizens; call on the government to fulfill its responsibility to protect the population; emphasize that the right to information is a fundamental human right, particularly in times of crisis; encourage transparency, accountability, and public communication in matters affecting national and regional security. Authorities do not have the right to remain silent when the safety and well-being of their citizens are at stake. We stress: in times of crisis, information saves lives. Website: https://dayanchcivil.com⁠� Respectfully, Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “DAYANÇ” – Turkmenistan