Activities of Ombudsman during the pandemic was brought to attention in international online meeting

Preventive measures are underway at global level within the framework of fight against the novel COVID-19 infection that threatens the lives and health of human beings. At the same time, the issue of effectively protecting human rights and freedoms during the pandemic is particularly in focus. Thus, the role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) is of special importance, while they are being considered as the most efficient mechanism in exercising control over the process of ensuring human rights and freedoms in world countries.

Recently the head of International Relations Sector of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Zaur Valimammadli took part in the ENNHRI’s next online meeting related to this issue. He has made a speech on the measures carried out by the Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva with regard to protection of the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) during the period of special quarantine regime in Azerbaijan. The meeting brought together representatives of NHRIs from Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Georgia and other countries, as well as of the OHCHR, CRPD, European Ombudsman Institute and other influential international organizations.

The representative of Ombudsman Office of Azerbaijan has recalled that the Ombudsman addressed a special message and put forward proposals to relevant state bodies on effectively ensuring the rights of PWDs during the special quarantine regime.

Z. Valimammadli has also mentioned that despite live reception of complainants has been temporarily suspended in the premises of the Ombudsman institution due to the COVID-19, applicants can still lodge complaints by means of online application form, email, post, fax and social network accounts of the institution. It was added that within the NPM mandate of the Ombudsman, visits without prior notice have been carried out to social and health care, including psychiatric facilities and other places which PWDs cannot leave at their own will.

The representative of the Office also informed the participants about the recent visit paid to the Republic Psychiatric Hospital of the Ministry of Health at the initiative of the Commissioner by the members of the National Preventive Group and an expert on the rights of PWDs. Zaur Valimammadli has also noted that the purpose of the visit was to monitor living conditions, the status of accessibility, treatment, nutrition level, access to medical-social services, investigation of received appeals, also of ensuring the rights of hospitalized patients, including PWDs, proper documentation in this facility during the special quarantine regime. This was emphasized that during the visit the wards, corps and sections of the facility, including section for children, canteen, food storage and other units had been monitored, the documentation on arrangement of medical services, nutrition, supply of hot and cold drinking water, walking, meeting and phone conversation were investigated as well. Some deficiencies were reveled and relevant recommendations were made to administration of the facility.

The above-noted information shared by the representative was welcomed and evaluated as a good practice by the participants. The meeting continued with discussions.