The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan, together with the Presidium of the Ashgabat Bar Association, held a round table at which the results of the joint project “Strengthening the Capacity of Bar Associations of Turkmenistan in the Field of Human Rights” were presented. The event, which took place on 21 November 2025, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Adalat of Turkmenistan, the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and other state institutions of the country. The important role of the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Ashgabat was especially noted for its co-financing of the project, as reported on the UNDP website

The project was signed for the 2024–2025 period in July 2024 between UNDP and the Presidium of the Ashgabat Bar Association. The project aimed to enhance the role of lawyers in promoting human rights and ensuring better access to justice, with particular attention to vulnerable groups such as women and persons with disabilities. Key achievements of the project include a Roadmap for the establishment of a National Professional Association of Lawyers, a modern website of the Bar Association enabling citizens across Turkmenistan to seek legal assistance, as well as an Analysis of the Criminal Procedure Code with recommendations to strengthen guarantees of the right to defense.

In her opening remarks, B. Eyvanova, Chairperson of the Presidium, spoke about the results achieved. “The legal profession is an important legal institution of civil society in a democratic, rule-of-law, and secular state. Enhancing the role of the legal profession means ensuring effective and accessible protection of the lawful rights and interests of citizens. The status of a defense lawyer in criminal proceedings plays a key role in ensuring the right to defense, equality of arms, and the adversarial nature of judicial proceedings. A lawyer protects the rights and lawful interests of suspects and defendants, contributes to the observance of procedural guarantees, and strengthens trust in the criminal justice system. Aligning national legal and law-enforcement practices with international standards is an integral condition for strengthening the rule of law, increasing confidence in the legal system, and protecting human rights.

To enhance the capacity of bar associations, it is necessary to establish a nationwide association of lawyers of Turkmenistan. Article 46 of the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Advocacy and Advocacy Activity in Turkmenistan’ provides for the establishment by lawyers of the Association of Lawyers of Turkmenistan in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Turkmenistan. The establishment of the Association of Lawyers of Turkmenistan is also stipulated in the National Human Rights Action Plan of Turkmenistan for 2021–2025. Together with the Ministry of Adalat of Turkmenistan, we have developed the Charter of the Association of Lawyers of Turkmenistan. An international expert, Ms. Tatyana Zinovich, prepared a Roadmap for the establishment of a national professional association of lawyers and jurists of Turkmenistan. All that remains is to put what has been planned into practice,” Eyvanova added.

During the event, the updated website of the Ashgabat Bar Association, created with the support of the UK Embassy, was also presented. The key features of the updated website include its user-friendly interface, automated identification of visitors’ location for more convenient use, and the ability to select a lawyer by area of specialization, along with access to essential information about each lawyer. The round table provided a valuable opportunity for dialogue and exchange of knowledge among lawyers, licensed legal professionals, and representatives of the public sector, laying the foundation for further cooperation in the field of human rights protection and for bringing Turkmenistan’s legal aid system into line with international standards.

Within the framework of the project, from 27 to 30 January 2025, an educational seminar entitled “Establishing a National Professional Association of Lawyers and Jurists: Discussion of the Draft Roadmap in Light of Regional and International Experience” was held. The seminar brought together lawyers, legal professionals, representatives of judicial and law enforcement bodies, as well as the Office of the Ombudsman. Its purpose was to strengthen the capacity of legal professionals to ensure justice in accordance with international standards.

The seminar, organized with the participation of UNDP international experts Ms. Tatyana Zinovich and Mr. Nick Stanage, served as a platform for developing recommendations to improve the legislation of Turkmenistan in line with international standards. Following the seminar, participants refined the draft Roadmap and reviewed project documents related to the establishment of the National Professional Association of Lawyers and Jurists. Certificates were awarded to all seminar participants.