The Ombudsman participated in the conference entitled “Neocolonialism: Violation of Human Rights and Injustice”

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, participated in a conference entitled “Neocolonialism: Violation of Human Rights and Injustice” held by the Baku Initiative Group.

At the conference, which brought together the members of the Baku Initiative Group and state officials, the Ombudsman said that, today, in different quarters of the world, a number of countries suffering from colonialism problems, have still been fighting for their freedom. 

Highlighting the existence of countries engaged in colonial policies in the modern era, the Ombudsman has pointed out that countries like France have been showing disrespect for universal principles of international law for many years and continue to violate human rights in a severe manner.

The Ombudsman, speaking about the neocolonialism policy implemented in Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East, states that millions of innocent people are severely deprived of their fundamental human rights, such as the right to life, freedom, free movement, property, and living in a secure and healthy environment.

S. Aliyeva emphasizes the importance of the Baku Initiative Group in the increase of initiatives aimed at the restoration of the violated rights of oppressed peoples suffering from the mentioned problems in the fight against French colonialism.

The Ombudsman notes that the international community remains indifferent to mass human rights violations, underlining Azerbaijan is one of those countries that is suffering from double standards.

S. Aliyeva spoke about Armenia's longstanding policy of intense hatred, ethnic cleansing, and deportation against Azerbaijanis, outlining the numerous acts of peace and crimes against humanity, as well as genocide against peaceful Azerbaijanis. The Ombudsman pointed out that the facts of mass graves, the destruction of many cities and villages, and the loss of various flora and fauna species found in the territories of our country that have been under occupation for about 30 years but liberated as a result of the Patriotic War further underscore the issue.

The Ombudsman stated that France, which openly supports Armenia's occupation, terror, and policy of ethnic hatred against Azerbaijan, has recently further strengthened its biased and unacceptable policy against our country. This policy, aimed at gaining influence in the region, is intended to fanning the flames of enmity between two neighboring nations and posing a threat to the sustainable peace-building process in the region.

In conclusion, the Ombudsman called on the international community to prevent colonialism policy, which resulted in violations of fundamental human rights, to take effective measures to ensure peoples live in free, sovereign, peaceful and prosperous conditions, and to support Azerbaijan’s just position.