The Ombudsperson Sabina Aliyeva participated in the “International Mini-Summit of Ombudspersons” in Slovakia

The Ombudsperson of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, participated in the “International Mini-Summit of Ombudspersons” that took place in Bratislava, Slovakia, dedicated to December 10th – International Human Rights Day. 

The purpose of this international event was to share good practices in the field of national preventive mechanisms. The Azerbaijani Ombudsman stressed the important role of ombuds institutions and NHRIs in the protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms, along with the necessity of international cooperation.  

Noting the effective cooperation between ombuds institutions of Azerbaijan and Slovakia, the Ombudsman expressed her confidence that these relations will further deepen. 

Sabina Aliyeva provided detailed information on the activities of the Azerbaijani Ombudsman within the National Preventive Mechanism mandate, noting that the Ombudsman and members of the National Preventive Group regularly visit institutions where individuals cannot leave voluntarily, provide suggestions and recommendations to improve the legislation and detention conditions to protect the rights of detainees, and that good experiences have been gained in this area. Following the amendments made to the Constitutional Law "On the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan," the mandate of the NPM has been slightly expanded.

The Ombudsman also noted that he has appealed to the country’s president with proposals for pardons based on the appeals of prisoners and their family members and that a total of 900 prisoners have been pardoned during the Ombudsman's term of office.

As part of the International Summit, a ceremony was held to honor individuals recognized for their contributions to human rights. Along with representatives of international organizations, the event was attended by ambassadors of 25 countries, including Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Slovak Republic Vusal Abdullayev.

The event concluded with the adoption of the Bratislava Declaration, reflecting the Summit of Ombudspersons’ results. Subsequently, Ombudsperson Sabina Aliyeva attended a session of the Committee for European Affairs of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.