The APF has delivered a two-day online workshop with the Ombudsperson's Office of Turkmenistan to provide support on the accreditation process with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

Held virtually on 24-25 March 2021, the workshop was part of the project Strengthening the institutional capacity of the Ombudsperson's Office of Turkmenistan, implemented jointly with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ombudsperson's Office.

The goal of the workshop was to support the Ombudsperson's Office by undertaking an analysis and review of the institution's legal mandate and making appropriate recommendations to ensure compliance with the Paris Principles.

"The APF is pleased to see the Ombudsperson's Office so engaged in preparing the institution for accreditation with GANHRI," said Mr Phillip Wardle, APF Legal and Policy Manager.

"We are glad to be able to provide the Office with technical support to prepare for the accreditation process," he said.

The workshop was an opportunity to discuss the Ombudsperson's legal mandate, the selection and appointment processes, the individual protections and privileges of Ombudsperson, her general mandate and the complaints-handling function.

Following the workshop, the APF invited the Ombudsperson and her Office to attend the next annual APF workshop on GANHRI accreditation, to provide further support in understanding the GANHRI accreditation process.

The APF will continue to work with the Ombudsperson's Office of Turkmenistan in support of its application for accreditation with GANHRI, which is a requirement for membership of the APF.