Ashgabat, 26-27 October 2023: UNDP and the Government of Turkmenistan conducted a workshop on international experience to coordinate, monitor and report on human rights and Sustainable Development Goals 16 (SDG 16) for the members of the Working Group of Interdepartmental Commission to ensure the implementation of Turkmenistan's international obligations in the field of human rights and international humanitarian law (IAC) and Working Group on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Turkmenistan. The event was conducted at the Institute of State, Law, and Democracy of Turkmenistan.

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Tomas Baranovas, UNDP international expert, who presented international practices of other countries including UNDP`s Oslo Governance Center and preliminary recommendations on collectively identifying the challenges and opportunities of aligning human rights obligations with the implementation of SDG 16 in Turkmenistan.

This workshop underscores the importance of SDG 16 as a standalone goal to promote good governance, the rule of law, and access to justice. It is inextricably linked with the entire 2030 Agenda, as peace, justice, and strong institutions are vital to achieving all other SDGs.

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UNDP Turkmenistan provides support to the implementation of the NHRAP 2021-2025 in the framework of the project “Assistance in the realization of the National Action Plan on Human Rights in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025” jointly implemented with the Institute of State, Law, and Democracy of Turkmenistan. The project focuses on strengthening the national system of protection, promotion, and realization of human rights in Turkmenistan by harmonizing laws and practices in accordance with the country's international human rights obligations.