Ombudsman held an event on December 10 - International Human Rights Day

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Country team organized an event devoted to the results of the competitions of journalistic writings on “Rights for everyone” and child paintings on “Me and my rights” on the occasion of December 10 - International Human Rights Day.

The Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva and the UN Resident coordinator in Azerbaijan, Ghulam Isaczai took part at the event.

The Ombudsman congratulated the participants on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day and provided broad information on the importance of this significant day.

It was noted the legal reforms, initiated by the National leader Heydar Aliyev and today successfully continued by the country President Ilham Aliyev, are aimed at improving social welfare and adequate conditions of living for people, satisfaction of citizens, guaranteeing legal equality in the legislation and implementation process, as well as at the sustainable development.

She told that the call of this year on “Stand up for Human Rights” by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet welcomed more active and close participation of youth, who are among the most active members of our society, in the activities related to protection of human rights and freedoms.

The Ombudsman emphasized that the Project document on establishing new platforms for supporting active participation of youth in the global political discussions between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and UN Development Program was approved by the Decree of the President Ilham Aliyev dated back July 8, 2014.  At present the project is successfully developed in the directions of promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), selecting Youth Ambassadors on SDGs and involvement of youth in preparation of Voluntary National Reports on SDGs, widening and bringing the volunteering activities in Azerbaijan into compliance with the international practice.

The Commissioner also highlighted that raising legal awareness of young people, developing their legal thinking and culture is of special importance in terms of ensuring the human rights and freedoms further effectively. She pointed out the importance of cooperation among state bodies and civil society for the purpose of more effectively ensuring the rights of different social groups of population, including minors, persons with disabilities and the youth.

The winners of the contests of journalistic writings titled “Rights for everyone” and child paintings titled “Me and my rights” annually held by the Ombudsman with respect to the International Human Rights Day were announced and awarded.

Journalists- Hakiyeva Seadet (Azerbaijan State News Agency), Afandiyev Punhan (Newspaper “Üç nöqtə”) won the 1^st, Aliyev Seymur (Website “Moderator.az”) and Aliyev Azad (Newspaper “Həftə içi”) won the 2^nd, Nabili Emin (Website “Ucnoqta.az”) and Alifov Nazim (Newspaper “Savalan”) won the 3^rd places. They were presented certificates and cash awards.

It should be noted that this year more than 350 paintings of 333 children from Baku and regions were submitted for the contest and were evaluated by a professional artist. Children joined the contest and representing Baku and different regions of the republic, Aslanova Sofiya, Aliyeva Zahra won the 1^st, Zalova Leysan, Zeynallı Aynur won the 2^nd, Alakbarov Fuad and Karimli Yusif won the 3^rd places. Also 20 more children, whose works were distinguished, were awarded motivating certificates. Among the winners there are talented children from IDP families, representing secondary education institutions of the capital and regions, children and youth development centers and art galleries. All the works submitted to the contest differed for their topical themes and colorful painting technique.