Ombudsman's Annual Report Heard at Human Rights Committee

On February 27, a meeting of the Milli Majlis Human Rights Committee was held. Committee Chairman Zahid Oruj stated that the agenda included one item: the annual report of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025.

It was noted that the Ombudsman's report presented for discussion states that 2025 was a memorable year for our country, marked by significant processes at national and international levels. The declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" based on the relevant Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the 5th anniversary of the victory in the Patriotic War, is of strategic importance for strengthening statehood traditions, elevating the building of a state of law to a new stage, and further increasing the country's international prestige. It was emphasized that this initiative also serves to promote and propagate the rule of law and sovereignty values.

The Amnesty decision adopted last year based on an initiative put forward by the head of state, which covered more than 20,000 people, was highlighted as one of the most important steps based on humanitarian principles.

Speaking about the document's compilation, structure, and content, the committee chairman stated that it also reflects information on the dynamics of the commissioner's activities and the fulfillment of obligations in the area of human rights protection.

Zahid Oruj noted that the document reflects that 42,685 appeals from citizens were received by the Ombudsman last year. He also stated that 14,718 appeals were received by the call center throughout the year.

It was noted that the report includes issues related to civil rights, including matters concerning the housing stock – property transactions and registration.

It was stated that the Ombudsman institution, not remaining indifferent to the fate of people, kept the issue of returning our citizens held captive in Syrian detention camps to our country under attention.

It was noted that the report on the right to health protection extensively covers issues of access to medical services for vulnerable population groups, children, and persons with disabilities, and also presents an approach to the situation regarding the shortage of doctors in the regions based on the results of the State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The report addresses the issue of the increasing number of drug addicts and toxicomaniacs and the difficulties associated with it.

It was emphasized that the document includes the issue of returning to West Azerbaijan and provides detailed information about the activities of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the field of international cooperation.

Committee Deputy Chairman Arzuxan Ali-zadeh, members Azər Allahverənov, Hikmət Məmmədov, Razi Nurullayev, Bəhruz Məhərrəmov, Vüqar Rəhimzadə, Mübariz Qurbanlı, Naqif Həmzəyev, Elman Nəsirov, Səyyad Aran, Chairwoman of "Temiz Dünya" Public Union for Women's Support Mehriban Zeynalova, Chairman of "Baku Resource and Training Center for Non-Governmental Organizations" Public Union Rauf Zeyni, President of "Konstitusiya" Research Foundation Əliməmməd Nuriyev, Chairman of the Committee for Democracy and Human Rights Çingiz Qənizadə, Chairman of the League for the Protection of Citizens' Labor Rights Sahib Məmmədov, Chairman of the Board of the Milli NGO Forum Ramil İsgəndərli, Chairwoman of "Women of the 21st Century" Public Union Mahirə Əmirhüseynova, Chairman of "Azad İstehlakçılar" Public Union Eyyub Hüseynov, Chairman of "Neftçilərin Hüquqlarını Müdafiə Təşkilatı" Public Union Mirvari Qəhrəmanova, Chairman of the International Eurasia Press Fund Umud Mirzəyev, Head of the Legislative Sector for Human Rights of the Department of State Building, Administrative and Military Legislation of the Parliament Apparatus Sarvan Sadıqov shared their views during the discussions on the issue.

In the speeches, the work done by the ombudsman institution in ensuring rights related to labor and employment, social security, education, and health protection, expanding relations with international organizations, implementing new mechanisms to prevent disinformation, public participation, legal education, and other areas were deemed commendable, and a number of proposals were put forward.

At the meeting, the Head of the Ombudsman's Office, Aydın Səfixanlı, responded to the opinions expressed and clarified a number of issues raised.

It was stated that out of the 94 proposals reflected in the report, 67 are new, and 27 are proposals that still retain their relevance.

The Head of the Office emphasized that the issue of protecting the rights of West Azerbaijanis and ensuring their right to return is constantly kept under attention.

It was noted that mobile receptions are held with citizens in the regions, and many of their problems are resolved on the spot.

It was noted that the annual report touches upon issues related to the enforcement of court decisions, including decisions on alimony, the necessity of establishing an Alimony Fund, as well as the provision of legal aid.

In conclusion, the report of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025 was deemed satisfactory and recommended for the plenary session of the Milli Majlis.

Committee members Tural Gəncəliyev, Sevil Mikayılova, Mircəlil Qasımlı, representatives of civil society institutions, and other officials participated in the meeting.