A meeting with the Consultant on International Development was held in the Ombudsman Office

A meeting with Sabina Ymeri, the Consultant on International Development, was held at the Ombudsman Office of Azerbaijan. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the compliance of the Ombudsman Institution's cooperation with the UN and its specialized agencies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Deputy Head of the Office, Rashid Rumzada, and the Chief Advisor of the Department for Cooperation with International Organizations and Civil Society Institutions, Sevinj Shener, took part in the meeting.

Welcoming the guest, the Deputy Head of the Office provided information about the Ombudsman’s mandate as well as the activities to protect human rights and freedoms. He emphasized the importance of cooperation with international organizations for the Ombudsman, speaking about close relations with the UN and its specialized agencies. The implementation of several significant projects, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for joint cooperation with the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan were also noted.

Information was provided on the compliance of the Ombudsman’s activities with the SDGs, including efforts to eliminate domestic violence, promote gender equality, ensure the right to health, protect environmental rights, and others.

Detailed information was also provided in response to the expert's questions regarding the national human rights reforms, the cooperation between the ombuds institution and the civil society, and the latest amendments to the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman considering the recommendations of the UN Treaty Bodies. The guest was also informed of the newly established structural divisions within the institution.

During the meeting, which continued in a mutually-discussive atmosphere, it was highlighted that our country will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and that the Azerbaijani Ombudsman is also a member of the COP29 Organizing Committee. It was noted that actions are being continued in accordance with the targets set in the SDGs, and that within the framework of COP29, the Baku Forum of Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions will also be held.