The Ombudsman participated in an international scientific and practical conference in Moscow

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan participated in an VII International Scientific and Practical Conference on the topic “Problems of Protection of Human Rights: Sharing Good Practices on Competences of Ombudsmen” held in Moscow.

In her speech on “the Activities of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan during war and post-war periods”, delivered at an event attended by ombudspersons from 47 countries, the Commissioner stressed the important role of ombuds and national human rights institutions (NHRIs) in effective protection of human rights and freedoms, giving broad information on the activities of the Ombudsman Institution of Azerbaijan in the relevant field. 

The Ombudsman spoke about the efficient reforms carried out domestically for the protection of human rights and freedoms and amendments to the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan regarding the expansion of her mandate in the related areas in accordance with the existing international criteria. 

Noting that war and acts of terror that occurred in recent years led to violations of fundamental human rights and humanitarian crises, the Ombudsman also spoke about war crimes committed in the territories of Azerbaijan that had been held under the occupation of Armenia for about 30 years. 

Sabina Aliyeva emphasized that our territories were liberated from the occupation as a result of the Second Karabakh War and restored the territorial integrity of our state in line with the norms of international law. 

The Ombudsman said that on-site investigations into the war crimes committed by Armenia were monitored during and in the aftermath of the patriotic war, and appeals, reports, and statements providing information on the facts of severe violations of international humanitarian law were submitted to the relevant international organizations and institutions working in the field of the protection of human rights.   

Highlighting that, wars cause casualties of human beings and their disappearances, the Commissioner brought to the attention of the conference participants the facts related to the disappearances of about 4000 Azerbaijanis in the period of the First Karabakh War, about whom no information has been provided by Armenia so far. 

Speaking about Armenia’s mine terror carried out in our liberated territories, S. Aliyeva noted that since the Second Karabakh War, hundreds of people have become victims of mine explosions.

In conclusion, S. Aliyeva expressed her hope that the relations between our institutions in the field of protection of human rights will be further strengthened and that effective activity and constructive dialogue will be continued.