The Ombudsman participated in the International Conference on "Constitution and Rule of Law in Modern Legal Systems"

The Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, took part in an international conference titled “The Constitution and the Rule of Law in Modern Legal Systems,” dedicated to the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Azerbaijan.    

In her opening speech, the Commissioner highlighted that the establishment of the protection of human rights and freedoms as the supreme goal of the state in the first Constitution of independent Azerbaijan, which was drafted under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and adopted through a referendum, reflects the highest value placed on human rights.

The Commissioner emphasized that, through the decrees and orders of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to effectively defend, ensure, and promote human rights, the relevant state program was adopted; the ombuds institution as an effective human rights protection mechanism was established, which was followed by the adoption of the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman; and the Constitution was amended accordingly.

The Commissioner said that the successful domestic and foreign policies pursued by President Ilham Aliyev, along with the consistent reforms and significant decisions implemented, have laid the foundation for a new stage in the history of Azerbaijan’s independent statehood. She noted that the constitutional amendments and the improvement of the legal framework have created favorable conditions for ensuring the rule of law and for the development of democratic governance and the principles of a legal state.

She noted that, as a result of the legal reforms initiated by the President, significant legislative  amendments have been made to fully align the Ombudsman’s mandate, who plays a special role in ensuring human rights and freedoms, with international legal standards, and that new areas of activity have been identified.

The Commissioner stated that globalization processes, geopolitical shifts in international relations, and the rapid technological advancements necessitated the application of new mechanisms for the flexible and effective protection of human rights and freedoms.

The Commissioner underlined the importance of improving the legal framework in order to harmonize modern trends and new legal relations with constitutional principles, of studying relevant good international practices, of ensuring the proper use of digital technologies and AI, and of establishing coordinated cybersecurity mechanisms.