Sabina Aliyeva, the Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan, participated in the International Conference of Ombudsmen on the theme “The Role of the Ombudsman as a Guarantor of Rights,” held in the Lazio region of Italy.

The event, aimed at promoting respect for human rights without discrimination in countries around the world, was attended by the heads and representatives of ombuds institutions and NHRIs from more than 50 countries.

During her speech at the session “Human Rights During Global Crises: The Role of the Ombudsman”, the Commissioner stated that the world is currently facing significant global challenges that affect both human rights and the environment.

S. Aliyeva noted that the effective protection of human rights and freedoms in the context of climate change has become one of the priority issues in the activities of ombuds institutions and NHRIs. She also highlighted that numerous events have been organized by the Azerbaijan Ombudsman Institution in this regard.

The Ombudsman noted that for nearly thirty years, our lands were under Armenia’s occupation, during which time the environment and biodiversity in those areas were harmed, and acts of ecocide were committed.

Speaking about Armenia’s mine terror in our territories, the Ombudsman said that these landmines pose a threat to the lives and health of civilians, hinder the safe return of former IDPs to their native lands, obstruct the reconstruction efforts in the region, and that mine explosions have also disrupted the ecological balance in the area.

The Ombudsman added that various state programs, strategies, and national action plans have been implemented in Azerbaijan to improve the ecological situation and ensure more efficient use of natural resources. She also noted that, by Presidential Decree, 2024 has been declared the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” in Azerbaijan.

This year, our country will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UNFCCC. The Ombudsman has highlighted that preparations are underway for organizing the event at a high level.