Turkmenistan recently amended its law to extend divorce delays, a measure that could place women and girls experiencing violence at greater risk. At the request of Progres Foundation, The Advocates for Human Rights prepared this memo to evaluate the various amendments against international human rights standards and best practices.
On March 30, 2024, Turkmenistan’s Parliament amended both the Turkmenistan Family Code and the Civil Procedure Code. The impact of these amendments makes it more difficult to obtain a divorce. These amendments also will make it more dangerous for a spouse who has been the victim of domestic violence to obtain a divorce from their abuser.
The most dangerous time for a woman in an abusive relationship is when she decides to leave. Removing protections and placing obstacles to leaving an abusive relationship places victims and children in further danger. According to a 2023 report by UN Women, the risk of homicide is heightened during the time of estrangement or post-separation.
Full analysis available here PDF.
