Appeal of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the announcement of 'Human Rights Month'

On February 22, 1998, the Decree "On Measures in the Field of Ensuring Human and Citizens’ Rights and Freedoms", and, taking into account the goals and tasks arising from it, on June 18, 1998, the Decree on the Approval of the "State Program for the Protection of Human Rights" were issued by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who always prioritized the human rights factor as the main criterion in his activities.

For the first time, these documents include provisions for the establishment of an authorized ombudsman institution in Azerbaijan. Subsequently, on the initiative of the Great Leader, the Constitutional Law "On the Human Rights Ombudsman (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan" dated December 28, 2001 was adopted.

This year, 25 years have passed since the approval of that state program, which was the first strategic document in which the provision of human rights was defined as one of the primary directions of state policy.

According to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, dated June 18, 2007, June 18, when the State Program was approved, was established as national Human Rights Day in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This significant day has been widely celebrated in our country for more than 15 years, and it is highly appreciated by society as a bright manifestation of the high value our independent state attaches to human rights.

Every year, from May 18 to June 18, is traditionally declared by the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan as "Human Rights Month" in the country. This is aimed at strengthening activities in the field of protection and promotion of the rights of everyone, regardless of their social and legal status—the families of martyrs, war veterans, persons with disabilities, children, the elderly, refugees, former internally displaced persons, migrants, and other vulnerable groups of the population—and making the general public aware of the accomplishments, defining the tasks ahead, developing legal thinking and legal culture in society, and drawing attention to the need to fight against discrimination, corruption, violence, and harmful habits.

As the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in connection with the upcoming significant day, declaring May 18–June 18 as "Human Rights Month" in the country, I call on the state and local self-government bodies, scientific, educational, medical, and cultural institutions, civil society organizations, including trade unions, non-governmental organizations, and the media, to actively join our initiative and organize a series of awareness-raising events on various topical issues of human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Also, I invite everyone to actively participate in the free legal aid campaign announced by the Ombudsman Office together with the UN Team in Azerbaijan and the Bar Association for socially vulnerable population groups starting today.

Within the framework of this month-long campaign, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the birth of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 25th anniversary of the approval of the "State Program for the Protection of Human Rights", I do believe that the corresponding authorities will demonstrate activeness in their work to further increase attention to the issues of holding various educational events on human rights, preparing printed materials and social awareness videos, promoting this topic in the media and social networks, and restoring the violated rights by considering applications promptly, as well as I express my thanks in advance for the contributions to be made.

Sincerely, 

Sabina Aliyeva 

The Commissioner for Human Rights

of the Republic of Azerbaijan 

(Ombudsman)

18 May 2023