Turkmenistan Approves the National Action Plan for Combating Human Trafficking for 2025–2029

On January 3, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a regular Cabinet of Ministers meeting via a digital system, during which a range of priority issues concerning state affairs were reviewed.

During the meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov presented a report on the draft National Action Plan for Combating Human Trafficking in Turkmenistan for 2025–2029.

As noted, one of the priority vectors of the country’s foreign policy is cooperation with international organizations in the humanitarian sphere, particularly in the comprehensive protection of human rights and addressing contemporary challenges in this area. To achieve these goals, Turkmenistan has established a solid legislative framework to combat human trafficking, providing a reliable legal foundation for systematic activities in this field.

Turkmenistan makes a tangible contribution to international efforts in this area. The country has successfully implemented National Action Plans for Combating Human Trafficking for the periods of 2016–2018 and 2020–2022.

Furthermore, in 2024, with the support of the head of state, an Interagency Commission on Combating Human Trafficking was established in Turkmenistan. In coordination with this Commission, and in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the aforementioned draft National Action Plan for 2025–2029 was prepared. The plan consists of five sections, outlining targeted measures, implementation timelines, relevant indicators, and the responsible state bodies. It also envisions enhanced cooperation with reputable international organizations and foreign countries in this direction.

Summarizing the report and emphasizing Turkmenistan’s peaceful and neutral policy, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that comprehensive efforts are being undertaken in the country to ensure human rights and freedoms. Human trafficking remains one of the critical and pressing global issues. Therefore, Turkmenistan must engage in coordinated cooperation with the international community to combat and prevent human trafficking.

On this note, the head of state approved the presented National Action Plan for Combating Human Trafficking in Turkmenistan for 2025–2029, instructing the Vice Premier and Foreign Minister to carry out the necessary tasks in this regard.

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan