The Ombudsman spoke at a video conference on the implementation of action plans on combating domestic violence and on the rights of the child

A discussion in online format was held on the implementation of measures arising from the “National Action Plan for Combating Domestic Violence in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2020-2023” and “Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy for Children for 2020-2025.” The event was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Ahmadov, the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva, the Chairman of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Bahar Muradova and representatives of other relevant agencies.

Speaking at the meeting, the Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva stated that the protection of the rights of children and women belonging to vulnerable groups of the population is one of the priorities of state policy. She has noted that the domestic legislation in the field of protection of women's and children's rights, prevention of domestic violence has been improved in accordance with international law and several state programs in these areas have been adopted and successfully implemented. The Ombudsman spoke about the services of the country President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva in the protection of children's rights, as well as the contribution of Heydar Aliyev Foundation to the comprehensive development of children, ensuring their right to health and education.

Sabina Aliyeva gave information on the activities of the institution in the field of protection of the rights of the child, including the possibility of children with violations of their rights to apply to the 916 Call Center, which operates 24/7, also noted that the Ombudsman appealed to the UNICEF to inform the international community about the Armenian attacks on Azerbaijani civilians and initiated a project with the purpose to provide psychological support to children affected by the war.

Touching upon the activities carried out to prevent domestic violence, Sabina Aliyeva has also noted that the Ombudsman Office was involved in the development of both abovementioned documents and the proposals were taken into account. She stressed the importance of coordinating the cooperation between government agencies and civil society institutions, international organizations, and further improving the legislation in order to more effectively provision of the rights of the child, as well as ensuring the implementation of existing legislation to prevent domestic violence and strengthening

The Ombudsman has also informed about the work to be done by the Office on various items of those documents and said that active participation in the process of the implementation of both plans on the basis of experience in improving legislation, legal education, and human rights education will be ensured.