A seminar on the topic "Protection of the Rights of Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons Held in Institutions They Cannot Leave of Their Own Will" was organized

A seminar on the topic "Protection of the Rights of Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons Held in Institutions They Cannot Leave of Their Own Will" was organized by the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan.

Representatives of various public agencies, non-governmental and international organizations took part in the event, held with the aim of enhancing knowledge and skills in the relevant field.

The Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, and the Head of the UNHCR Representative Office in our country, Bik Lum, delivered welcome speeches at the event and wished success to the seminar.

The Ombudsman spoke about the importance of improving the relevant legislation, enhancing the human rights protection mechanisms, and raising awareness in the area of protecting the rights of foreign nationals and stateless persons. She also noted that joint events have been organized with local and international, as well as civil society institutions.

S. Aliyeva informed the event participants that, as part of international cooperation, regular meetings, consultations, and projects are conducted in partnership with international organizations specialized in the relevant field.

The Ombudsman spoke about the activities carried out within the framework of the National Preventive Mechanism mandate, noting that monitoring visits are conducted to institutions where individuals cannot leave at their own will. During these visits, the treatment of detainees and their conditions of detention are examined. It was noted that among the individuals who are interviewed and whose complaints are investigated during these visits are foreign nationals and stateless persons, and that the protection of their rights is given significant attention in the Ombudsman’s activity.

Subsequently, representatives from the Ombudsman Office, as well as other state institutions, along with local and international experts, provided extensive information and presentations on the activities carried out in relevant fields and shared international experiences. They also highlighted the innovations achieved in this area within the country and the practices developed by the Ombudsman, bringing them to the attention of the participants.

In conclusion, a detailed exchange of views on the topic was conducted, and the relevant questions were answered.