Ombudsman delivered a speech at the international event dedicated to the fight against illegal drugs

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan Ms. Sabina Aliyeva took part in the international event "The Third Regional Dialogue - Implementation of the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy in Eastern Europe and Central Asia."

At the online event, the Ombudsman spoke about the role of national human rights institutions in the discussions on determining the drug policy of states. During her speech, the Ombudsman touched upon the importance of awareness-raising on the prevention of drug and psychotropic substance abuse in society, mainly among children and young people. She also informed the participants about the legislative acts and state programs adopted in connection with drug trafficking and drug abuse in Azerbaijan.

Ms. Sabina Aliyeva reported that according to the agreed plan of action, the Ombudsman Office runs a range of awareness events covering the regions of the country on serious negative consequences of illegal drugs. She underlined that during those events the importance of drug addicts not being isolated from society and subjected to any discrimination was stressed.  

Then, the Ombudsman noted that as a national human rights institution, the Office has made the necessary contribution to the formation of policy in this area in Azerbaijan, and brought to the attention of the participants the initiatives and proposals. The importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle in the fight against drugs, strengthening the effectiveness of health, promoting educational materials, dialogue between peers, as well as the elderly and youth, and cooperation with civil society was stressed.

In conclusion, the Ombudsman called for joint action to solve this global problem, which poses serious challenges to human rights.