The Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva made a speech at the international event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Ombudsman Institute of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On December 11, 2020, the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ms. Sabina Aliyeva made a speech at the UN-sponsored online conference titled “Digitalization of the Ombudsman Activity: New Mechanisms for Promotion and Protection of Human Rights” organized on the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of the Ombudsman Institute of Uzbekistan and December 10 - Human Rights Day. The ombudsmen of a number of foreign countries, NHRIs, and international experts, as well as representatives of leading international organizations attended the event.

Starting her speech with the congratulation of the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Ulugbek Mukhammadiyev on the 25th  anniversary of the establishment of the institution, the Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva stressed the importance of the application of modern technologies in the protection of human rights. She spoke about relevant work since the very beginning of her activity as the Ombudsman to ensure human rights and ensure faster reception of appeals in the institution, including the establishment and operation of a single 916 Call Center.

Having briefed about the preventing measures against COVID-19 at the national level, the Ombudsman informed the participants specifically about her activities in the field of ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups during the special quarantine regime. It was noted that the Ombudsman has issued specific statements concerning ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities, children, and migrants during the pandemic based on the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteurs. In addition, during the pandemic, the reception of citizens was suspended, but the participants were informed that the online reception of appeals continues.

Reminding the Victory Parade held in Azerbaijan due to the liberation of territories kept under the occupation for thirty years, the Ombudsman stressed that all four known UN resolutions were implemented in this way. It was also added that during the hostilities, Armenia used banned weapons against the civilian population, and wherein, the Ombudsman said that she carried out fact-finding missions in the areas of destruction and prepared reports based on the evidence obtained and sent them to the relevant international organizations.

In addition, the Ombudsman shared with the participants her experience on the effective use of information technology in the protection of human rights and freedoms during the war.

The conference was continued with discussions.