Statement of Anti-Discrimination Centre Memorial the 87th Pre-Sessional Working Group of the UN CEDAW, 30 May 2023

Dear Committee Members,

Speaking about discrimination of women in employment, we note the formal abolishment of occupational bans for women in the Labor Code of Turkmenistan and the repealing the List of professions banned for women. At the same time, on the background of massive attack on women’s rights, like violation of freedom of movement, or prohibition to drive a car, the formal permission to work in the sphere of transport makes no sense. To have a free professional choice, the women of Turkmenistan need the other rights also to be respected.

We ask you to urge the Turkmenistan’s authorities to cancel all restrictions on women’s employment, self-presentation, social behavior, dress code, communication.

We also would like to raise the issue of extremely difficult situation of LBTI+ in Turkmenistan, meaning omnipresent homophobia and discrimination in all areas of life, including employment, education, family life, personal interactions, and commercial and state services. Transgender women are the most discriminated, often being victims of cruel police violence and harassment.

We ask you to address the Turkmenistan’s authorities with the recommendation to repeal repressive pieces of legislation and eliminate discriminative practices towards LGBTI+, including police raids, roundups, blackmail, violence, humiliation, and extortion. A comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation be adopted and implemented, with the provision of adequate and effective protection against all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Alternative information on Turkmenistan’s implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women for the 87th Pre-Sessional Working Group of the UN CEDAW, 30 May – 2 June 2023