September 24, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan - On September 21, 2020, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) celebrated five years of achievements of the USAID-funded Dignity and Rights program implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).  

The program supported the Government of Turkmenistan and relevant civil society actors to respond to the problem of human trafficking through prevention and protection activities. The program also contributed to the implementation of the National Action Plans of Turkmenistan on Counter-trafficking for 2016-2018 and for 2020-2022, approved by the President of Turkmenistan.

The NGO Ynam, through its hotline, provided consultations to over 21,770 callers on issues of human trafficking and migration, while the NGO Yenme, through its shelter in Ashgabat, hosted 30 victims of trafficking and provided reintegration and rehabilitation assistance. 

Addressing program partners and beneficiaries, Stephanie Garvey, Democracy and Governance Office Director at the USAID Central Asia mission, noted during the virtual ceremony that the U.S. government will continue to work closely with the Government and people of Turkmenistan to promote human rights and improve the safety and quality of life of migrants and their families in Turkmenistan. 

Azat Atajanov, Head of IOM’s office in Turkmenistan, added, “This joint program with USAID became a brand in Turkmenistan for all parties involved, such as local NGOs, IOM, and USAID. It also helped to establish sustainable dialogue between the major parties involved in counter-trafficking efforts including the government, NGOs, and international development partners. Working together with USAID and the network of implementing partners, IOM was able to identify areas that need further assistance and cooperation to foster sustainable development and advance human dignity in Turkmenistan. We are looking forward to continuing our cooperation with USAID and other development partners.”

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USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. For more information on USAID/Central Asia visit: https://www.usaid.gov/central-asia-regional.