The Baku Pre-Trial Detention Facility was monitored

Within the mandate of the National Preventive Mechanism and Independent Monitoring Mechanism of the Azerbaijani Ombudsperson, the Baku Pre-Trial Detention Facility under the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice was monitored.   

The objective of the monitoring organized in line with OPCAT, CRPD, and the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan was to investigate the treatment and detention conditions of those held in this establishment, particularly women with disabilities, and to examine the issues related to the protection of their rights and the quality of services they received.   

During the monitoring, women with disabilities and about thirty people with health problems were interviewed in their cells, and some of them were received in a confidential manner upon their request. 

The cells of women, as well as a medical and sanitary unit of the establishment, were also monitored; confidential talks were held with those being treated in the wards. The situation of provision with nutrition, walking, acceptance of parcels, meeting and phone calls was inspected; the petitions addressed to the Ombudsperson were accepted.     

In the course of the monitoring, the current situation was evaluated, and the management of the facility and the medical and sanitary unit was given recommendations for improving the accessibility in relation to the persons with disabilities, eliminating existing shortcomings, compiling a list of women with disabilities in detention, and improving the documentation. In addition, legal consultations were held.