Turkmen Citizens at Risk: Recruitment into War as a Consequence of Systemic Human Rights Violations

TURKMEN CITIZENS AT RISK OF RECRUITMENT INTO WAR The Human Rights Platform of the civil movement “Dayanç” (Turkmenistan) expresses serious concern over data published by the “I Want to Live” project, according to which thousands of citizens from Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan, have been involved in the ranks of the Russian army. According to the project, by 2026 at least 12,666 citizens of Central Asian countries signed contracts with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Among them are 578 citizens of Turkmenistan. These are not just numbers. These are human lives placed at risk. 📌 Passport Denial as a Tool of Pressure One of the key reasons for the vulnerability of Turkmen citizens is the systematic refusal of Turkmen diplomatic missions abroad to issue and renew passports. This constitutes a gross violation of: Article 29(3) of the Law on Migration of Turkmenistan, the fundamental right to freedom of movement, and international obligations of the state. Citizens left without documents: cannot legalize their stay, cannot access formal employment, face constant risks of detention and deportation. Under such conditions, they become easy targets for coercion and exploitation. 📌 Forced Economic Migration The economic crisis in Turkmenistan continues to force thousands of citizens to leave the country. Lack of employment, low incomes, and social instability push people into labor migration, including to the Russian Federation. According to the “I Want to Live” project, the following practices are used there: deception, pressure through migration violations, threats of deportation, coercion into signing military contracts. 📌 Growing Recruitment and Systemic Nature of the Problem The “I Want to Live” project identified thousands of individuals: Uzbekistan — 4,853 Tajikistan — 3,460 Kazakhstan — 2,389 Kyrgyzstan — 1,439 Turkmenistan — 578 The number of recruits has more than doubled over the past year. For 2026, the Russian Ministry of Defense plans to recruit at least 18,000 foreign nationals. 📌 Lack of Public Information — Deliberate Inaction The Human Rights Platform “Dayanç” has repeatedly called on the authorities of Turkmenistan to: inform citizens through state media about risks, warn about recruitment practices, explain the consequences of participation in armed conflicts. However, no such measures have been taken. State silence in this context means: 👉 citizens are left unprotected in the face of a deadly threat. 📌 Legal Assessment We state: Russia’s war against Ukraine is illegal under international law. Participation of foreign nationals may entail criminal liability. Recruitment through coercion and deception is a serious human rights violation. 🚨 Appeal to Citizens of Turkmenistan 🔴 If you are in the Russian Federation: Do not sign military contracts. This is a direct threat to your life. 🔴 If you are already involved in the war: You still have a chance to save your life. Contact the “I Want to Live” project. ☎️ Where to Seek Help (“I Want to Live” Project): 🌐 Website: https://hochuzhit.com⁠� 🤖 Telegram bot: https://t.me/kak_sdatsya_bot⁠� 💬 Telegram chat: https://t.me/chat_hochu_zhyt⁠� ❓ Questions: https://t.me/hochu_zhit_com⁠� 📱 Telegram / WhatsApp: +380 95 68 86 888 +380 93 68 86 888 +380 97 68 86 688 ❗ Our Demands We call on the authorities of Turkmenistan to: immediately stop the practice of refusing passport issuance abroad; comply with Article 29(3) of the Law on Migration; launch a public information campaign about recruitment risks; ensure protection of their citizens. 📎 Sources: 📺 Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/r9G76q9lbiM?si=Xsh9Kbs-EPC6XuHw⁠� 📢 Telegram channel “I Want to Live”: https://t.me/hochu_zhyt⁠� 🖼 Photo source: Telegram channel “I Want to Live”