International Webinar on Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Context of Corporate Responsibility: The Role of Ombudsman Institutions

On 3 December, on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, within the framework of international cooperation efforts, Sabina Aliyeva, Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, in partnership with the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA), hosted an international webinar on "Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Context of Corporate Responsibility: The Role of Ombudsman Institutions."

During an event aimed at sharing the relevant best practices of the Ombudsman institution of Azerbaijan with AOA members and other stakeholders, Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, AOA President, and Ms. Sabina Aliyeva, AOA Vice-President and Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, made opening remarks.

In her speech, the Ombudsman emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that the PWD, like all members of society, have an access to the same opportunities as others.

She noted that protecting the PWD rights is one of the priority areas of her activities, and that she was assigned to promote the implementation of the CRPD as an independent monitoring mechanism (IMM).

The Ombudsperson said that under the scope of the IMM, monitoring is carried out in prisons, education, healthcare, social service institutions, and other facilities. 

During the event, staff of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, Zaur Vəliməmmədli, Head of the Department for Cooperation with International Organizations and Civil Society Institutions, and Ayten Tarverdiyeva, Head of the Unit for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, delivered presentations on key topics.

Mr. Valimammadli spoke on "The Evolving Role of NHRIs in Advancing Corporate Responsibility: Insights from Azerbaijan," while Ms. Tarverdiyeva presented on "Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities: The Azerbaijani Ombudsman’s Experience." The speakers highlighted ongoing initiatives and shared relevant positive practices and experiences in their presentations.

During the event, Lyra Jakulevičienė, a member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, provided an overview of the group's activities and its role in advancing business and human rights initiatives globally.

In conclusion, a broad discussion on the topic was held, where participants’ questions were answered.