Head of the Ombudsman Office participated in the online meeting of the UN Committee on Migrant Workers

The UN Committee on Migrant Workers (CMW) organized an informal online meeting with States and other stakeholders as part of its 32^nd Session. The issues related to the effective protection of the rights of migrants, including migrant workers and their family members were discussed with the participation of members of the CMW and other stakeholders from different countries.

The head of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr.Aydin Safikhanli made a speech about the experience of the Ombudsman institution in this field. A.Safikhanli informed the participants about the activities of the Azerbaijani Ombudsman on the protection of the rights of migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was noted that the Ombudsman has developed appeals and proposals regarding the efficient protection of rights of the vulnerable groups of population in this period of time.

The head of the Ombudsman’s Office said that special measures were taken by state bodies to ensure access to medical and social services for foreigners and stateless persons. He noted that at the beginning of the pandemic, the necessity to apply for an extension of the temporary stay of foreigners in Azerbaijan was lifted. It was also noted that the Ombudsman applied to the relevant authorities to educate migrants about their rights.

Besides, the participants were informed that within the framework of the Ombudsman’s National Preventive Mechanism, visits were made to detention centers for migrants, their health and other rights were monitored, and the results were discussed with the migration authorities.