The Ombudsman participated in the General Assembly Meeting of the OICOA

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, participated in the General Assembly Meeting of the OIC Ombudsman Association (OICOA) held in İstanbul.

While speaking at the meeting, attended by ombuds of member states of the Association, the Ombudsman noted the initiatives carried out within the activities of the OICOA to increase awareness and that the Ombudsman Institution of Azerbaijan is an active participant in these initiatives and exchanges of experiences with other member institutions.

S.Aliyeva said that injustices against Muslim countries, including Azerbaijan, and double standards in international relations continue. 

The Ombudsman gave information about war crimes committed by Armenia in the territories of Azerbaijan, saying that the fate of about 4000 Azerbaijanis missing during the First Karabakh War is still unknown. 

S.Aliyeva highlighted that the landmines placed by Armenia in our liberated territories continue to claim the lives of our servicemen and civilians, and that 300 people have fallen victim to mine terror so far. 

Giving detailed information about the Khogaly Genocide committed 31 years ago, the Ombudsman noted that this genocide was evidence of a policy of ethnic cleansing that resulted in severe violations of the rights and freedoms established in international documents. S. Aliyeva emphasized the necessity for people and international organizations to attach international political and legal significance to the Khojaly Genocide for the restoration of justice.

In order to prevent the recurrence of such a massacre and bring the perpetrators to justice, the Ombudsman has asked the OICOA to raise these issues before international institutions.

The elections were held for the Board of Directors of the OIC Ombudsmen Association during the meeting. Sabina Aliyeva was re-elected as a member of the Board of Directors.