The Ombudsman of Azerbaijan participated online in the IV Samarkand Forum on Human Rights

Sabina Aliyeva, the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, participated online in the IV Samarkand Forum on Human Rights and made a presentation on the topic 'Environmental Challenges: Ensuring Sustainable Solutions for the Future of Human Rights in a Changing World.

During her speech, the Ombudsman stated that the current global climate issues raise several concerns regarding the future of human rights. S. Aliyeva emphasized the need for the implementation of global strategies to protect human rights in the context of climate change, as well as the necessity of further strengthening cooperation.

Noting that 2024 has been declared the 'Year of Solidarity for a Green World' in Azerbaijan, the Ombudsman informed the forum participants that this year our country will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). Moreover, it was highlighted that significant efforts are being made in Azerbaijan regarding environmental protection and the efficient use of natural resources, including the adoption and implementation of state programs, action plans, and strategies.

In her speech, S. Aliyeva also drew attention to the issue that armed conflicts are one of the main factors causing environmental pollution. The Ombudsman, highlighting that our country has suffered from illegal occupation for many years, stated that facts of serious damage to biodiversity, water sources, and flora and fauna were seen during visits to the liberated territories.

Furthermore, the Ombudsman said that the hundreds of thousands of unexploded mines and military ordnance buried by Armenia during the occupation period are currently delaying the return of former IDPs to those areas, posing a serious threat to human life and health. She also noted that since the end of the Second Karabakh War, 361 of our citizens, most of whom are civilians, have fallen victim to mines, and the restoration of the destroyed infrastructure, as well as the ecosystem, requires a long time and significant financial resources.

Also, the Ombudsman stated that special reports, statements, and appeals prepared from the outcomes of the fact-finding missions carried out during the war and post-war periods have been submitted to relevant international organizations, national human rights institutions, and ombudspersons of other countries.

In conclusion, the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan underlined the critical importance of new approaches and joint cooperation for the protection and promotion of environmental rights.