: Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva held a videoconference with the High Comissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva held a meeting with the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, Tatiana Moskalkova through videoconferencing. The meeting was aimed at exchanging experiences on resolving the challenges and issues, faced in the field of protecting human rights, while the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is spreading, and also discussing the future perspectives of cooperation in this direction.

The Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva mentioned that in order to prevent mass spread of COVID-19 prophylactic and immediate measures continued under the leadership of the President Ilham  Aliyev, and the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers, consisting of leaders of relevant state bodies was established for this purpose. Noting the urgent measures carried out by her, the Commissioner added that special attention is paid to the protection of the health of population, as well as educational information is regularly disseminated through the Commissioner’s official website and other social networking sites, recommendations are made to corresponding state authorities on the protection of rights of different population groups. 

This was also noted, although the live reception of people is temporarily suspended in premises of the Ombudsman institution, applications and complaints are received via e-mail, telephone, fax, social networking and in an online form. The appeals addressed to the Ombudsman’s 24/7 hotlines are responded after being immediately investigated, also awareness raising is conducted, necessary advice is provided, and appeals are respectively addressed.

This was noted that the Commissioner continues her activities in coordination with the State Migration Service while fulfilling the NPM mandate. The access to public services by foreigners, who reside in the territory of the country for a temporary or permanent period, also by those engaged in labor activity was monitored. Corresponding authorities were given relevant recommendations in order to further improve those services.

The Presidential Order signed in the Republic of Azerbaijan on April 6, 2020, to pardon 176 convicts, 10 of which was pardoned on the basis of the Commissioner’s motions, was also highlighted. This was brought to the attention that the Commissioner continues monitoring in penitentiary institutions.

During the meeting, the Commissioner Sabina Aliyeva asked for taking control over the situation of the Azerbaijanis who are currently in the territory of the Russian Federation and proposed to take joint operational actions to find solution of issues raised in the appeals.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, Tatiana Moskalkova gave comprehensive information about the practices of her country in this regard. During the videoconference the issues of mutual interest have also been discussed.