A conference dedicated to the International Migrants Day was held

The Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 18, 1990, was ratified by the Law of the Milli Mejlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December11, 1998. Since 2000, December 18 has been marked as the International Migrants Day in the world.

In this regard, an event dedicated to this day was held jointly by the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Migration Service and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission to Azerbaijan.

Ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova, chairman of the State Migration Service Vusal Huseynov, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Gulam Isaczai, acting chairman of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission to Azerbaijan Meltem Ersan delivered speeches and emphasized the importance of drawing public attention to migration issues, publicity of implementing “Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration” triggering creation of prompt mechanisms answering demands of each member of the society.

Besides representatives of state bodies, NGOs and mass media, Head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan Kestutis Jankauskas, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Baku Zoltán Hernyes, as well as other international organizations and diplomatic missions of foreign countries to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Commissioner noted 2018 as a remarkable year for celebration of centenary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and marking the 70^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights based on the idea of non-discrimination and equal rights, that principle was also determined in the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

The Commissioner pointed out the call of the UN Secretary-General on the eve of International Migrants Day stating “Let’s involve everyone to the migration issues choosing the way Global Compact shows us”, which will enhance the respect to humans, their security, effective use of their physical, intellectual and labor potential, also preventive actions against statelessness also in our country.

It was stated, despite having more than one million refugee and IDP population as a result of ethnic cleansing and aggression of Armenia lasting more than 30 years, migrants from other countries enter Azerbaijan due to the development and stability, tolerance and multiculturalism, in this country favorable conditions for migrants in compliance with the international standards are created.  

The information was given on the activity of the Ombudsman regarding the protection of migrants’ rights, analyze of their problems and appeals, proposals addressed to the relevant state bodies for improving the legislation, bringing the state policy in line with the international documents. Also trainings and awareness-raising events are held for civil servants in charge with the migration and asylum issues.

Regular visits are organized within the National Preventive Mechanism activity of the Ombudsman to the Illegal Migrants’ Detention Center, their status, nutrition, medical assistance, detention and treatment issues are analyzed, possible remedies are assisted.

The citizens leaving Azerbaijan are paid special attention as well, in accordance with the bilateral treaties signed with 15 foreign ombudsmen, mainly the meetings with compatriots residing in the Russian Federation are held for solving the problems and promoting legal migration, relevant measures are taken determining the status of persons living in uncertain conditions.

The Ombudsman stressed upon that the Global Compact and the developing “National Migration Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2024” will be the map for effectively ensuring the rights of migrants, cooperation of civil society with the state authorities.

At the end of the event, short film about migration was displayed and presentations on “Strengthening the potentials of migration and border administration in Azerbaijan” were heard.