Nesw

Turkmenistan Ombudsperson Yazdursun Gurbannazarova visited the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye and met with Chief Ombudsman Mehmet Akarca. The meeting, organized within the scope of the Turkmenistan Ombudsman Institution's study visit to protect and monitor children's rights in cooperation with UNICEF, was also attended by Fatma Benli Yalçın, Ombudsperson Responsible for Children’s Rights.

In his remarks, Chief Ombudsman Mehmet Akarca emphasized that Ombudsman Institutions play a key role in protecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, promoting good governance in administrations, and fostering a culture of seeking legal remedies.

Mehmet Akarca stated that the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye accepts applications from anyone receiving services from public administration, in any language, adding “The Chief Ombudsman and five Ombudspersons are elected by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. As a constitutional body, the independence and impartiality of the Ombudsman Institution are guaranteed by law. When reviewing applications, our Institution primarily aims to reach a swift resolution through amicable settlement. If that is not possible, we issue a recommendation. By law, we are required to conclude applications within 6 months. Additionally, our institution places great importance on international cooperation and the sharing of knowledge and experience. In this context, we are members of 9 different international Ombudsman networks.”

“Human rights, which are the most fundamental value of our Institutions, are the most important element that allows us to find common ground.”

Chief Ombudsman Mehmet Akarca stated the following:

“Since Türkiye and Turkmenistan are two sister countries that share a common history, language, religion and culture, the relationship between our nations is a special one, built on mutual respect and cooperation. I hope that by strengthening the collaboration between our Institutions here today, we can contribute more not only to our own people but also to the wider region. Human rights, which are the most fundamental value of our Institutions, are the most vital element that unites us on common ground. As institutions dedicated to human rights, we can raise awareness on this issue. This is only possible through strong cooperation between our institutions.”

Mr. Akarca emphasized that since its establishment, the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye has carried out highly productive work in cooperation with UNICEF Türkiye Representative Office, noting “Within the framework of the work plan we signed, we are conducting joint efforts to protect and strengthen children’s rights in our country, and to make our Institution more child-friendly. Our website dedicated for child applications was developed with contributions from UNICEF and shaped based on feedback from children themselves. Additionally, in collaboration with UNICEF, a “Children’s Rights Strategy Document” was prepared. We have also organized joint training programs with UNICEF Türkiye Representative Office to raise awareness in the field of children’s rights. These efforts have fostered cooperation both on national and international levels.”

Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan Yazdursun Gurbannazarova also expressed that Türkiye and Turkmenistan are similar in many aspects and stated her pleasure in benefiting from the experience of the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye and engaging in joint initiatives.