The Commisioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, received the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Azerbaijan, Alex Haikens.

At the meeting, highlighting the importance of protecting child rights, the S. Aliyeva noted that according to the amendments made to the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, the Ombudsman was empowered to function as an independent monitoring mechanism for the implementation and promotion of the “Convention on the Rights of the Child”.

S. Aliyeva provided information about the measures taken for the protection of child rights, during the “Child Rights Month” long campaign.

Underlining, the significance of the activities carried out in cooperation between the Ombudsman Institution and UNICEF, the Ombudsman spoke about the work done in this area according to the Action Plan.

The Ombudsman stated that our lands have been de-occupied as a result of the Second Karabakh War, building and reconstruction works are being carried out in those areas, and the process of returning our former internally displaced persons is being implemented. She also underlined the importance of ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups of the population, including children.

At the meeting, discussions were held regarding education of children about mine security and the impacts of climate change on children.

Alex Haikens said that significant work has been done in the country in terms of ensuring children’s rights and expressed his gratitude to the Ombudsman for cooperation in this field.

The sides exchanged their views on the future prospects of collaboration.

At the end, Sabina Aliyeva thanked A. Haikens, who is completing his terms of office in our country, and wished success in his future activities, as well as presented a post stamp dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Ombudsman institution to the guest as a keepsake.