BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 27. The Human Rights
Committee of the Azerbaijani Parliament convened on February 27 to
review the 2025 annual report of the Human Rights Commissioner
(Ombudsperson) of Azerbaijan, the parliamentary press service told
Trend.


Zahid Oruj, chair of the committee, noted that the report was
the sole item on the agenda. The Ombudsperson’s report highlights
key national and international developments over the past year. It
marks significant milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the
adoption of the Constitution and the fifth anniversary of
Azerbaijan’s victory in the Patriotic War, which were commemorated
as the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty," underlining the
strengthening of state traditions, the advancement of legal
statehood, and the enhancement of Azerbaijan’s international
prestige.


The report also emphasizes the humanist principles behind the
amnesty initiative implemented by the President, which benefited
more than 20,000 individuals. It provides detailed information on
the Ombudsperson's activities in protecting citizens’ rights,
including handling 42,685 citizen appeals and 14,718 calls to the
Ombudsperson's hotline.


Moreover, the report addresses civil rights issues, including
housing and property transactions, and highlights efforts to
repatriate Azerbaijani citizens held in detention camps in Syria.
It further examines access to healthcare for vulnerable
populations, children, and persons with disabilities, with regional
medical service availability assessed using data from the State
Statistics Committee. Issues related to the rise in drug and
substance abuse were also discussed.


In the discussions on the issue, contributions were made by
Deputy Chairman of the Committee Arzukhan Ali-zadeh; members Azer
Allahveranov, Hikmat Mammadov, Razi Nurullayev, Behruz Maharramov,
Vugar Rahimzadeh, Mubariz Gurbanli, Nagif Hamzayev, Elman Nasirov,
and Sayyad Aran; Mehriban Zeynalova, Chair of the "Clean World"
Women's Assistance Public Union; Rauf Zeyni, Chair of the "Baku
Non-Governmental Organizations Resource and Training Center" Public
Union; Alimammad Nuriyev, President of the "Constitution" Research
Foundation; Chingiz Ganizadeh, Chair of the Democracy and Human
Rights Committee; Sahib Mammadov, Chair of the League for the
Protection of Citizens' Labor Rights; Ramil Isgandarli, Chair of
the Board of the National NGO Forum; Mahira Amirhuseynova, Chair of
the "Women of the 21st Century" Public Union; Eyyub Huseynov, Chair
of the "Free Consumers" Public Union; Mirvari Gahramanova, Chair of
the "Organization for the Protection of the Rights of Netizens"
Public Union; Umud Mirzayev, Chair of the International Eurasian
Press Fund; and Sarvan Sadigov, Head of the Human Rights
Legislation Sector of the State-Building, Administrative, and
Military Legislation Department of the Parliamentary Office. Each
shared their perspectives and insights on the matters
discussed.


The report includes updates on the return of citizens to Western
Azerbaijan and details the Ombudsperson's international cooperation
activities. Committee members and representatives of civil society
organizations praised the Ombudsperson's work in labor and
employment rights, social protection, education, healthcare, public
participation, legal awareness, and countering disinformation.







Ombudsperson Office head Aydin Safikhanli responded to feedback,
clarifying outstanding issues. Out of 94 recommendations included
in the report, 67 were new, and 27 remained relevant from previous
years. Special attention was given to the protection of the rights
of Western Azerbaijanis and facilitating their return.


Mobile receptions were held in regions to address citizens’
concerns on the spot. The report also covered the enforcement of
court decisions, including alimony-related issues, and highlighted
the need to establish an Alimony Fund and improve legal aid
services.


The 2025 annual report of the Human Rights Commissioner was
deemed satisfactory and recommended for discussion at the plenary
session of the Azerbaijani Parliament. The meeting was attended by
Tural Ganjaliyev, Sevil Mikayilova, Mirjalil Gasimli,
representatives of civil society institutions, and other
officials.


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