A range of events devoted to Independence Day were held

28 years, passed from the day of restoration of independence, have formed a complex and glorious period in the public-political, social-economic, legal and cultural development history of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Upon the instruction of the Ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova, a series of events were held with respect to October 18- Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the Ombudsman Office, as well as at educational and cultural institutions in the regions by the staff of Regional Centers with participation of different population groups.

At the event in the Office, E. Suleymanova congratulated the staff members on this occasion and firstly noted the period of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic that was the first parliamentary, democratic, secular state in the Muslim East. She spoke about the development path and history of the Republic of Azerbaijan after the independence was gained on October 18, 1991.   

She reminded the very first years of independence, military aggression and ethnic cleansing policy of Armenia against Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, return of the National leader Heydar Aliyev to power in 1993, signing of the Contract of Century, when the reforms became necessary in all spheres, also the new economic policy paved the way for dynamic development phase with regard to human rights field.

The Ombudsman mentioned that the initiative of new draft Constitution of the independent state also belonged to the National leader. She highlighted that the adoption of Constitution on November 12, 1995 after the establishment of the commission for drafting constitution, broad discussions on the constitution in a democratic way taking into consideration the public opinion and bearing in mind the international law norms and general principles on human rights triggered the idea of forming legal state.

E. Suleymanova noted that one of the key areas of focus of the National leader included protection of human rights and freedoms. The first National Program on Human Rights, establishment of the Ombudsman institution in the legal system, which is an important institution for protection of human rights and strengthening the activity of state bodies, were achievements of the state independence.

She also mentioned the role of Heydar Aliyev in drawing the attention of the world community to the Azerbaijani realities in the UN General Assembly, also in other global conferences that resulted in increasing the number of supporters of Azerbaijan adhering to peace.

The resolute speeches and statements of the country President Ilham Aliyev on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi, Meeting of Council of CIS Heads of State in Ashgabat and the 7^th Summit of Turkic Council in Baku strengthened the confidence in the just and peaceful resolution of this conflict.

The continuous economic growth and social welfare of different population groups taking into account the factor of human rights, enhancing adequate living conditions were also hailed.

The Comissioner spoke about the upcoming duties to successfully maintain the activities in human rights field. She mentioned about the events held by Regional Centers on the occasion of the Independence Day.

The staff members of Ganja, Sheki, Jalilabad and Guba Regional Centers of the Ombudsman took part in the events organized by local executive authority bodies, including the march in Guba. The representatives of the Ombudsman also held events in the cities and districts under their jurisdiction.

The efforts of the Azerbaijani people for the restoration of independence were brought into attention in those events, which were held with participation of residents, students, active youth. The development and achievements of the Republic of Azerbaijan as the successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic were also mentioned.

The Commissioner also sent congratulatory letters to state bodies, scientific insitutions, public unions, NGOs, also to the embassies of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani Diaspora.