UNODC and INL Facilitate English Language Training for Law Enforcement and Justice Practitioners in Turkmenistan

Effective communication is key for police and other law enforcement to build trust with communities and ensure public safety. Knowledge of languages is also indispensable. This helps frontline officers communicate with foreigners visiting Turkmenistan. Investigators and prosecutors need language skills to cooperate with counterparts abroad to counter transnational organized crime.

With this in mind, UNODC and the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) are currently working together to facilitate improved English skills of Turkmen law enforcement officers through the use of modern training materials and interactive teaching methods.

Following the completion of a first language course for 44 Turkmen practitioners during the first half of the year, 60 representatives from twelve ministries and agencies recently started a second round of English language training (ELT).

 “The main goal of our language courses is to increase the level of English proficiency among Turkmen practitioners who are responsible for international cooperation in their respective ministries and agencies. We focus on law enforcement officers mainly, but staff from financial monitoring institutions and forensic laboratories also participate. This will make it easier for them to work with foreign partners, which is crucial for mutual legal assistance and international cooperation on criminal matters”, emphasized Mr. Koen Marquering, UNODC’s Criminal Justice Programme Coordinator in Central Asia at the launch event. 

UNODC is partnering with the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this initiative, which is implemented with financial support from INL. Diplomatic personnel are also embedded in the course, which is led by two experienced language teachers. Classes will run 3 times per week for a period of 7 months.

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For more information, contact Vasilina Brazhko (Ms.)

Communication and PR Specialist at

UNODC ROCA

+996775987817 WhatsApp/Cellphone

vasilina.brazhko [at] un.org