On 13 November in Ashgabat, the Turkmenistan National Red Crescent Society and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This was reported by Turkmenportal.

The document was signed by Maral Achilova, Chair of the Turkmenistan National Red Crescent Society, and Mahir Safarli, UNHCR Regional Representative for Central Asia.

The Memorandum provides for joint support for refugees, stateless persons and other vulnerable groups. The parties intend to inform these groups about their rights and the opportunities available to them, to exchange experience, and to organise training for staff and volunteers.

Another area of cooperation will be emergency preparedness. The parties plan to coordinate their efforts to provide prompt assistance to those affected should the need arise.

Mahir Safarli noted that the Turkmenistan National Red Crescent Society is a reliable partner of UNHCR. He said that the signing of the memorandum would enable the expansion of joint activities.

Maral Achilova emphasised that the work of the National Society is based on the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. She also highlighted the importance of cooperation with international organisations for the Society’s activities.

Turkmenistan has acceded to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and both conventions on statelessness, becoming the first country in Central Asia to be a party to all three international instruments. The country also cooperates with UNHCR on issues relating to the protection of refugees and the eradication of statelessness.

The signing of the memorandum marked a further step in expanding the involvement of the Turkmenistan National Red Crescent Society in these activities.