Azerbaijan's ombudsman highlights Armenia's violations, landmine risks at Brussels assembly

Aydin Safikhanli, Head of Azerbaijan's Human Rights Ombudsman Office participated in the General Assembly of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) in Brussels.

He also attended a seminar on the topic, “Role and Functions of National Human Rights Institutions in Armed Conflicts,” Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The Ombudsman’s Office reported that, during the seminar, Safikhanli provided detailed information on the Ombudsman’s efforts to implement international humanitarian law and the measures taken during the conflict in line with international standards.

Safikhanli emphasised that Armenia had committed severe breaches of international law during its 30-year occupation of Azerbaijani territories. He highlighted the ongoing threat of landmines, which obstructs the safe return of displaced people to their homes.

Additionally, he reminded the audience that around 4,000 Azerbaijanis have been reported missing since the First Karabakh War, with no information on their whereabouts.

The Head of the Office also noted that reports on attacks against civilians during the Second Karabakh War and on destruction during the occupation were prepared and distributed to international organisations and other ombudsmen globally.

At the ENNHRI General Assembly, Aydin Safikhanli further discussed the work of Azerbaijan’s Human Rights Ombudsman, sharing the institution’s achievements and its cooperation with international organisations.

Notably, ENNHRI, representing more than 40 national human rights institutions across Europe, is dedicated to advancing and safeguarding human rights throughout the region.

It provides a collaborative platform for these institutions, strengthening solidarity and collective efforts to protect human rights and address associated challenges at the European level.

By Aghakazim Guliyev