Urgent Concern Regarding the Protection of Children and Adolescents in Turkmenistan

Urgent Concern Regarding the Protection of Children and Adolescents in Turkmenistan Dear Sir/Madam,The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan respectfully expresses its grave concern regarding the situation of children and adolescents in Turkmenistan, particularly in relation to their mental health, psychological safety, and protection from exploitation, abuse, and suicide risk.Available information, including independent reporting, indicates that systemic socio-economic factors such as widespread labor migration of parents, economic instability, lack of accessible psychological support, and the absence of effective child protection mechanisms have created conditions in which children and adolescents are left in a state of psychological vulnerability and social isolation.Many children in Turkmenistan grow up separated from their parents due to labor migration abroad. The absence of parental care and emotional support during critical developmental stages significantly increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.Furthermore, the educational environment often fails to provide a safe psychological space. Children may experience fear, psychological pressure, and barriers to freely expressing their thoughts and concerns. Instead of receiving professional and confidential psychological assistance, vulnerable children may face monitoring or institutional pressure, which discourages them from seeking help.The lack of independent crisis support services for minors is particularly alarming. Children experiencing psychological distress must have access to safe, confidential, and professional support without fear of punishment, stigma, or retaliation.The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan calls for the urgent implementation of the following measures:Establish independent crisis support centers for children and adolescents;Ensure access to confidential and professional psychological care;Create safe and supportive educational environments free from psychological pressure and fear;Strengthen child protection mechanisms against abuse, exploitation, and psychological harm;Ensure transparency and accountability regarding child welfare and mental health protection.Turkmenistan is a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights treaties, which obligate the state to protect the rights, dignity, health, and well-being of children.Protecting children's mental health and safety is a fundamental obligation of the state and an essential condition for the future stability and development of society.We respectfully call for attention, monitoring, and appropriate engagement to ensure the protection of children and adolescents in Turkmenistan.Respectfully,Diana DadashevaChairHuman Rights Platform of the Civic Movement“DAYANÇ” / TurkmenistanWebsite:https://www.dayanchcivil.com/⁠�Source:Turkmen.newsTurkmenistan — Hidden Leader in Adolescent Suicide in Central Asiahttps://turkmen.news/turkmenistan-skrytyi-lider-po-podrostkovym-samoubiystvam-v-centralnoy-azii/⁠�