Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva spoke at the 11th Meeting of the Board of Directors of the OIC-OA in Morocco

Sabina Aliyeva, the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan, participated in the 11th Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ombudsmen Association (OIC-OA) held in Morocco.

During her speech at the event, attended by ombudspersons of other member states of the Association, the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan expressed her concerns about the impact of current global climate issues on the future of human rights. She emphasized the importance of expanding international cooperation in promoting environmental rights.

The Ombudsman highlighted the crucial role that national human rights institutions (NHRIs) play in bringing these issues into global attention and effectively addressing them.

Addressing the negative effects of armed conflicts on the environment, the Azerbaijani Ombudsman discussed the landmine problem that our country faces. She pointed out that mines buried during nearly thirty years of occupation pose threats to human life and health, create significant obstacles for the return of former IDPs to their native lands, which also require substantial financial resources for the restoration of destroyed infrastructure and ecosystems.

The Ombudsman noted that significant measures are being taken in Azerbaijan to address ecological problems. She spoke about the numerous state programs, strategies, national action plans, and other documents related to environmental protection that were approved and implemented.

S. Aliyeva said that 2024 has been declared the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World" in Azerbaijan and that the country will host the 29th session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29). She also added that within the framework of COP29, a “Baku Forum on Climate Change and Human Rights for Ombudspersons and NHRIs ” will be held. Therefore, she invited members of the Association to participate in this event.