Sheki Children Home of Mixed Type was inspected on the instructions of the Ombudsman

On the instructions of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva, members of the National Preventive Group visited Sheki Children’s Home of Mixed-Type under Executive Power of Sheki City.

The object of the visit, organized in accordance with the OPCAT and the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan was to monitor the conditions of children of different ages living in this social institution and the treatment of them by the employees. The situation with ensuring their rights, as well as measures taken against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic were also inspected. During the visit, a dormitory, classrooms, recreation room, medical room, kitchen, and food storage of the institution were monitored.

The administration of the institution, psychologists, and other staff members, as well as children, were interviewed in accordance with the quarantine rules to investigate the issues of treatment there. The children living there did not complain about the treatment.
According to the administration of the institution, the facility was provided with medical alcohol-based hand rubs, facemasks, and medical gloves by Heydar Aliyev Foundation for using during the quarantine period. At the same time, it was noted that the speed of the Internet was low due to online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, which created difficulties in the learning process.

During the visit, it was found that the position for a pediatric doctor in the the institution was vacant for a long time, and that the number of the staff was insufficient.

Furthermore, it was also determined that the ventilation system was not constantly working at the facility, which was attributed to the low limit for electricity.

At the end, legal awareness talks were held with the administration and staff of the facility and relevant recommendations were given.