Statelessness and UNHCR’s mandate was the topic of the seminar conducted in the Turkmen capital. The forum was orginized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkmen National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under President of Turkmenistan (TNIDHR) in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Mr. Mark Manly, Head of Statelessness Unit, UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva had arrived in the Turkmen capital specially to participate in the seminar.

The fundamental standards secured in the international documents on the right to citizenship and prevention of statelessness were presented to the forum participants representing the national Parliament, national ministries and departments, law enforcement agencies and institutions of justice, establishments of higher education – the Institute of Foreign Affairs, the Military Institute, the Police Academy, Magtymguly Turkmen State University and journalists. The review on the relevant legislation of other countries was presented during the seminar. As is known, an essential aspect of the policy of progressive reforms in Turkmenistan was the legal reform aimed at further democratization of the Turkmen society, improving the national legislation in compliance with the modern realities and universally recognized international law norms and standards. In this regard significant importance was attached to the study of the best international practice, enhancement of constructive contacts with foreign partners including the leading UN agencies. A new practical step towards achieving these aims was the seminar in Ashgabat which became an opportunity for Turkmen jurists to enlarge their knowledge in this very important field.

In conclusion the participants of the seminar conducted in the conference hall of the Turkmen National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under President of Turkmenistan unanimously called for continuing the fruitful dialogue that Turkmenistan and the United Nations maintained for the wellbeing of the people.