The Ombudsman received the UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan

The Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, received Saja Farooq Abdullah, the newly appointed UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, the Ombudsman provided detailed information to the guest about the activities carried out in the field of the protection of child rights.

Speaking about international cooperation, the Ombudsman noted the existence of close collaborations with international organizations, including the UN and its specialized agencies, highlighting the several important joint projects. The Ombudsman emphasized the significance of the initiatives carried out in collaboration with UNICEF and discussed the work accomplished in this field.

S. Aliyeva provided information about the recent amendments to the Constitutional Law "On the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan," stating that her mandate has been expanded in the areas of child rights protection and several other fields.

The Ombudsman also talked about extensive information about the work carried out within the NPM, as well as independent monitoring mechanisms in the field of children's rights. She discussed the efforts related to juvenile justice, addressing the appeals of prisoners and their family members, and submitting pardon proposals to the country’s President, among other areas of activity.

The Ombudsman stated that the landmines planted by Armenia during the occupation in our liberated territories pose a threat to the life and health of civilians, noting that children are also among those affected by landmines. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness among children about mine safety.

In turn, UNICEF's representative in our country, Saja Farooq Abdullah, expressed gratitude to the Ombudsman for the warm reception.

During the meeting, an exchange of views was also held on the prospects for future cooperation between the institutions and a number of other issues of mutual interest.