Turkmen Central Authority were introduced to EU Standards in Criminal Cooperation

On 12-13 March 2024, UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia (UNODC ROCA) jointly with Global Programme on Criminal Network Disruption conducted the National Workshop on EU Standards for international cooperation in criminal matters for the Turkmen Central Authority with financial support by INL. The capacity-building event was organized within the framework the Judicial Cooperation Network for Central Asia and Southern Caucasus (CASC Network) supporting strengthening of central authorities to engage in international cooperation in criminal matters.

Having differences in laws and legal standards, amongst others, makes international cooperation in criminal matters for mutual legal assistance and extradition too complex and cumbersome process. In line with the United Nations Conventions, the European Union (EU) has set out standards for its member states which also guide third countries in their relationship with European Estates when requiring Mutual legal Assistance. The EU's cooperation efforts are guided by the principles outlined in the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and these principles encompass areas such as police cooperation, prosecutorial cooperation, judicial cooperation and policy formulation. The EU aims to promote cooperation among member states and/or third countries to effectively combat transnational organized crime and protect the rights of victims, suspects, prisoners and other actors of the criminal proceedings.

In this regard, the National workshop aimed to improve the knowledge and practical skills of the representatives of the central authorities of Turkmenistan in application of EU standards, including human rights, in day-to-day work to implement international cooperation in criminal matters with the EU Member States.

The Turkmen central authority representatives advanced the awareness about available EU initiatives, instruments and standards aimed and practical skills in application tips and recommendations on human rights and other EU standards in international cooperation in criminal matters to promote a more effective and rights-based approach. Moreover, the event encouraged Turkmenistan central authority to a closer collaboration with EU member states in combating transnational organized crime. The workshop became a platform for sharing relevant information on legal and practical aspects within investigation of cross-border criminal cases.

The National workshop contributed to more effective international cooperation in detection, investigation and prosecution of transboundary cases and overcoming current challenges, thereby addressing existing challenges more effectively by Turkmen central authorities.