OREANDA-NEWS. May 4, 2009. During the second parliamentary session the deputies passed the laws and adopted the resolutions on ratification and joining of the international documents including the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. This decision of the national Parliament is a new step to implement the legal reform initiated by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to update the national legislation in compliance with international law norms.

Having taken the path of fundamental reforms Turkmenistan declared the supremacy of law and protection of the interests, rights and freedoms of citizens and every individual as the highest value of the society to be of priority importance. Advancing along the way of democracy Turkmenistan plays an active role on a world arena standing steadfast to the commitments undertaken.

Turkmenistan joined a number of the UN fundamental conventions and other important international documents aimed at maintaining peace and security, protecting human rights. In 1996 the national Parliament ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women – one of the fundamental human rights conventions aimed at empowering women and guaranteeing gender equality.

The Turkmen leader’s progressive policy is welcomed and recognized by global community, which absolutely supports Turkmenistan’s consistent steps to promote democratic development and provide the firm guarantees of the rights and freedoms of citizens. The decision of the national Parliament on accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women illustrating the commitment of the Government of Turkmenistan to maintaining the constructive dialogue with the United Nations on the human rights issues was ardently supported by the United Nations. Richard Young, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan delivered a message on this occasion.

In particular, Mr. Richard Young said that it gave him great pleasure to welcome Turkmenistan’s accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. By ratifying the Optional Protocol Turkmenistan recognized the authority of the UN Committee for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women – the body that monitors the implementation of national measures by the States parties to fulfill the obligations under the CEDAW.

The UN Resident Coordinator noted that the Convention often called the International Bill of Rights secured the rights of women in different fields. These included the rights to participate in political activities, health, education, employment, equality in marriage and family, equality before the law.

Mr. Richard Young noted that the UN stood ready to maintain active cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan under different joint projects and to provide assistance on the path of building democracy.