Yelena Butova, OHCHR, National Programme Officer
ASHGHABAT, Turkmenistan, May 23 – The UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (Regional Office for Central Asia – OHCHR/ROCA) has organized a workshop to enhance the capacity and knowledge of young people on human rights, including the right to participation, non-discrimination and the role of UN Human Rights Mechanisms (Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures, Universal Periodic Review).
The training involved young leaders, students of the Turkmen State University, the Institute of International Relations, the International University for Humanities and Development as well as young SDG Ambassadors and alumni from the Preventive Diplomacy Academy of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA). The training provided them with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge in international relations through group discussions simulating activities of different UN committees and their interaction with Member States.
“Knowledge of human rights helps young people to develop respect, and a sense of civic responsibility towards their peers, communities, and the planet. We leveraged all of these principles in our interactive exercises and simulations throughout the training” said Shukurgeldi Myradov, Coordinator of Young SDG Ambassadors in Turkmenistan. “I commend OHCHR/ROCA for organizing this crucial training for students and youth participating in Model UN, as it equips us with the knowledge necessary to advocate for human rights and make a positive impact on our communities and beyond”.
“An important aspect of the training was to educate participants on the concepts of participation in decision-making processes at various levels: in the local community, at the university, in youth organizations. This new knowledge will contribute to the further development of the leadership potential of young people,” said Iulia Votslava from OHCHR/ROCA.
The workshop is organized as a preparation stage within the joint intuitive “Turkmenistan-Ashgabat Module UN”, which will be held fall this year with support of OHCHR ROCA, UNODC, UNRCCA and USAID/Winrock project. ///nCa, 26 May 2023