State and perspectives of development of cooperation with respect improve the human rights protection is the major topic of the 4th international conference of ombudsman which started in Baku on 5 May, Trend reports.
Attending the conference held within the framework of the Russian year in Azerbaijan, are Russian Ombudsman Vladimir Lukin, Ombudsmen of 20 regions of the Russian Federation, as well as CE commissar on human rights Thomas Hammarberg, the Azerbaijani First vice premier Abbas Abbasov, high ranking state and government officials, MPs, representatives of NGOs and different state bodies.
In his remarks the Azerbaijani first vice Premier noted the importance of the even from the aspect of development of the bilateral relationships in the sphere of human rights protection.
Informing the participants in the forum about the reforms held in the sphere of human rights protection in Azerbaijan Elmira Suleymanova, the Azerbaijani Ombudsman noted that it all was carried out in the period when over 1 million citizens of the country are refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their own territory, over 20% of the Azerbaijani territory are under occupation. In this respect we hope for closer cooperation with the international organization and neighboring countries, she underlined.
A problem of protection of the rights of refugees and IDPs is not only a problem of Azerbaijan, but entire region, Thomas Hammerberg, the CE commissar on human rights, stated. Speaking on the protection of human rights the CE commissar noted the great role played by the law-enforcement bodies and court system of the country. The issue should be a priority in the activities of the organization.
In his turn Russian Ombudsman, Vladimir Lukin voiced his readiness for cooperation with the Azerbaijani Ombudsmans Institute in the sphere of human rights protection.
The two day event will take papers on Human Rights and democratic values: Ombudsmens experience, Development of juvenile justice in CIS countries, Legal enlightenment as major direction of Ombudsmans activities. The participants in the session will have exchange of experience and opinion in the gatherings.
During stay in Baku the delegates to the conference will also get familiar with the activities of the Azerbaijani Ombudsmans Institute.
