Human rights standards during criminal proceedings and investigations in focus of OSCE course in Turkmenistan

An OSCE-organized online course for law students on international human rights standards during criminal proceedings and investigations took place from 9 to 13 November 2020 in Ashgabat.

The five-day event brought together around fifty students of the Institute under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly.

The course introduced participants to the concept of human rights, its history, types and functions as well as respect for human rights in the context of criminal justice. International experts from Romania and Moldova focused on ensuring the right to integrity of the person in the pre-trial investigation stage, and the right of suspects and accused persons to a fair defence and legal counselling.

“The OSCE has accumulated significant experience in the provision of expert support to its participating States in implementing OSCE commitments in the areas of human rights and freedoms,” said Natalya Drozd, Head the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “The OSCE Сentre has developed constructive co-operation with the Office of the Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan and other relevant institutions in different areas across the human dimension. This course is an example of the Centre’s long-term support being provided to the host country in strengthening its human rights education for law students.”

Participants reviewed relevant case studies and also covered the standards for custody, guarantees against ill treatment and use of force as well as guarantees of individual rights in case of suspension and termination of the preliminary investigation. There were special sessions on gender-based and domestic violence, which focused on the implementation of relevant international standards at the national level and best practices from OSCE participating States.