An OSCE seminar bringing together representatives of the Office of the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan and the Office of the People's Advocate of the Republic of Moldova was held in Ashgabat on October 28–29, 2026. Participants exchanged experience and discussed practical approaches to human rights protection and the work of national human rights institutions, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan.

The discussions focused on the powers and functions of ombudsmen, the consideration of individual complaints and cooperation with national and international organizations. People's Advocate of the Republic of Moldova Ceslav Panico presented the legal status and powers of his Office, including guarantees of independence and immunity.

Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat William Leaf emphasized the role of independent national human rights institutions in ensuring respect for human rights, handling citizens' complaints and improving national protection mechanisms.

A separate part of the seminar focused on children's rights. Moldova's People's Advocate for Children's Rights, Vasile Coroi, spoke about international and regional mechanisms for protecting children's rights, the powers of the Moldovan Ombudsman and the tools used in this work. Participants also discussed monitoring compliance with children's rights and raising public awareness.

The sessions covered methods for investigating individual cases, establishing facts, interviewing victims and witnesses, as well as collecting, preserving and analyzing evidence. Another session focused on national and international mechanisms for protecting women's rights.