Representatives of the Azerbaijani Ombudsman Office took part at international conference on fighting discrimination

The head of International Relations Unit of the Ombudsman Office, Zaur Valimammadli and the head of Guba Regional Center, Bahruz Afandiyev participated at the international conference on “Implementing non-discrimination commitments - a path to achieving European Human Rights Standards” jointly organized by the CoE and the EU on 7-8 November in Chisinau, Moldova.

The event brought together the CoE and EU officials, representatives of the Ombudsperson institutions, NGOs from Eastern Partnership countries. Discussions were held on preventing discrimination in European region, ensuring equal rights and enhancing the role of Ombudsperson institutions, as well as National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in this field.

During the discussions Z. Valimammadli made a speech noting that Azerbaijan is rich in ethnic composition with population groups from different cultures and beliefs living peacefully and friendly there, thus multiculturalism and tolerance became part of the state policy in the country.

The staff member of the Office noted that discrimination is prohibited in the Constitution and other legislative acts of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He highlighted those ultimate values such as prohibition of discrimination, respect to different cultures is prevalent in the traditions, values of the Azerbaijani people, which has deep historical roots, rich culture.

Z. Valimammadli spoke about the awareness raising measures carried out by the Azerbaijani Ombudsman to fight discrimination. He stated that the institution was registered as an NHRI in the UN system and fully responds to existing international standards in the effective protection of human rights. It was noted that the independent Experts’ Council under the Ombudsman institution was established, in which chairpersons of NGOs acting in the country are represented, and new members joined the Council recently. He emphasized that the active cooperation among state bodies and civil society representatives has a vital role in elimination of discrimination, thus the Ombudspersons institutions can establish a better platform to ensure such cooperation as independent state bodies in their essence. He mentioned relevant examples from the Azerbaijani Ombudsman’s activity.

The staff member of the Office touched upon the regional hearings held in regions noting the importance of awareness raising events, “Peace” month-long campaigns organized with regard to fighting discrimination for local executive authorities, civil society, all communities of population groups and representatives of mass media. He pointed out that enhancing awareness is of special importance in determination of hate speech or discrimination cases.

Within the discussions the head of the Guba Regional Center, B. Afandiyev informed the participants about the activity of the Ombudsman in the protection of all population groups in the region without any discrimination, the monitorings aimed at elimination of law infringements and meetings with representatives of local communities, in which different nations are represented.