The Ombudsman Office held an online event to strengthen cooperation with civil society organizations

The Office of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan launched an online event on "The role of strengthening cooperation between the Ombudsman and civil society organizations in the protection of human rights dedicated to May 28 – the Republic Day." The event was attended by Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva, staff of the institution and representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs).

While delivering a welcome speech, the Ombudsman spoke about the historical significance of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), emphasizing that this year our people celebrated this significant day with greater joy due to the liberation of our occupied territories. Ms. Aliyeva has also briefed the 23-month history of the ADR highlighting the respect for human rights during that period, including the right of women to vote.

The Ombudsman spoke about the reforms carried out in our country after regaining independence with the end of 70 years of Soviet rule after the collapse of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, also the creation of a legislative framework, the work done to ensure human rights.

The Ombudsman said that today the inalienability of human rights as one of the main principles of the state forms the legislative framework in this area. The Ombudsman stressed the importance of cooperation between CSOs and NHRIs at present time and added that the Ombudsman Institution attaches great importance to such cooperation in the field of human rights.

Later, Saadat Bananyarli, Chair of the Azerbaijan National Section of the International Society for Human Rights, Davud Rahimli, President of the Union of Disabled People Organizations, Novella Jafaroglu, Chair of the Association for the Protection of Women's Rights after Dilara Aliyeva, Sahib Mammadov, Chairman of the Citizens' Labor Rights Protection League, Alimammad Nuriyev, the Head of the “Constitution” Researchers Foundation, Rauf Zeyni, the President of the National NGO Forum and Jumshud Nuriyev, an independent expert spoke at the meeting.

The COVID-19-related problems emerged in the field of protection of human rights, the problems of people with disabilities, including veterans of the Patriotic War, the existing problems of civil society at the national level, their solutions and proposals to improve the legal environment were discussed at the online meeting.

The recent developments in the Ombudsman Institution, as well as measures realized to protect the rights of PWDs and issues of ensuring the right to information have been also discussed as well. 

The meeting was continued with discussions and exchange of views on the prospects for strengthening cooperation in various fields.