BOMCA in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan borders with Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Border infrastructure with Iran and Afghanistan is relatively developed, having been part of the external borders of the Soviet Union. Border crossing points with both countries have also been strengthened with the support of the international community, due to concerns over drug trafficking. Border infrastructure with Uzbekistan is more basic, and is the focus of a request for BOMCA assistance from the Government of Turkmenistan. Unlike other countries in the Region, the Border Guard Service is better equipped and trained in Turkmenistan than the Customs Service, although the government has allocated a supplemental budget to upgrade Customs facilities and equipment. Training for Customs and Border Guards services remains a priority, noted by the international community.

The focus of BOMCA programme activities in Turkmenistan is to strengthen capacity building through provision of equipment, training and infrastructure. The concept of integrated border management is being introduced as a component of this spectrum of assistance.

BOMCA activities in Turkmenistan have included:

• Renovation of the Training Center of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan (first phase) including re-roofing and refurbishment of 5 classrooms, 1 conference room and 1 library and provision of furniture and equipment;
• Construction of the Veterinary Unit of the Dog Training Center of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan including provision of specialized veterinary equipment, furniture and computers;
• Study tours for judges, prosecutors, police intelligence officers, directors and senior staff of training centre’s and drug detecting dog specialists have been conducted to various European capitals;
• Draft training work plan on IBM prepared with the ICMPD technical expertise;
• Participation of Law Enforcement officers in workshop and conferences on IBM organized by ICMPD;
• Study tour to Budapest for high-ranking officers (Border Police Conference and Study tour to the borders of Hungary);
• Training of Trainers in Almaty (Kazakhstan) on IBM;
• Organization of a trans-border workshop and a Skills Training workshop on IBM at the Turkmen-Uzbek border;
• Participation of drug and explosive detecting dogs handlers of the State Border Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs in regional trainings in Tashkent and Almaty;
• Training on drugs and precursors detection conducted at BCP in pilot zone;
• Tender procedure launched for the construction of the Kunya Urgench BCP.

Future plans under BOMCA envisage:

• Construction of a training unit (classrooms, dormitory, kitchen) at the National Border Guards dog Training Centre in Manysh.