Azerbaijan’s ombudsperson calls out HRW’s bias in 2024 human rights report

Azerbaijan’s Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsperson), Sabina Aliyeva, has addressed an open letter to Tirana Hassan, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), criticizing the organization for its biased and one-sided approach in its 2024 World Report on Azerbaijan.

According to a statement from the Ombudsperson’s press service, cited by Caliber.Az, the letter emphasizes that HRW’s assessment of Azerbaijan lacks objectivity and fairness.

Instead of relying on publicly available reports from the Ombudsperson’s Office — documenting efforts to protect human rights, and fundamental freedoms, and prevent torture — HRW allegedly based its findings on dubious and biased sources.

Aliyeva also pointed out that members of the Ombudsperson’s National Preventive Group had personally met with several individuals mentioned in the HRW report and found no evidence of torture or ill-treatment.

Additionally, the letter criticizes HRW for failing to acknowledge Azerbaijan’s contributions to combating climate change, particularly during COP29, where Azerbaijan served as a platform for global discussions and significant climate-related decisions. Despite these achievements, HRW neglected to mention them, according to Aliyeva.

Furthermore, the Ombudsperson highlighted that HRW ignored the long-standing violations of Azerbaijani rights during Armenia’s occupation. She stressed that for decades, over one million Azerbaijanis endured severe human rights abuses, forced displacement, and the dangers posed by landmines. The safe and dignified return of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) only began after Azerbaijan regained control over its territories.

Aliyeva also condemned HRW’s failure to address the forced expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from Armenia, calling this omission a clear example of double standards in human rights advocacy.

In conclusion, Ombudsperson Sabina Aliyeva urged Human Rights Watch to ensure impartiality, fairness, and reliance on verified facts in its reporting on Azerbaijan.

By Tamilla Hasanova