Azerbaijani Ombudsperson condemns ethnic cleansing, landmine threats in liberated areas

Azerbaijan's continued commitment to addressing human rights challenges and forced migration issues on a global scale was underscored by Ombudsperson Sabina Aliyeva during the meeting of the OIC Ombudsman Association and the General Assembly, held in Iran.

Aliyeva outlined the key objectives of Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman office, emphasizing the country’s proactive stance on safeguarding human rights and ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups, Caliber.Az reports.

She provided an in-depth review of the Institute’s efforts in the past year, particularly its work to promote the rights of persons with disabilities, while also advocating for stronger international cooperation to address these critical issues.

A major focus of Aliyeva's address was the escalating problem of forced migration, which she identified as one of the most urgent issues facing Azerbaijan and the wider region. She drew attention to Armenia’s ethnic cleansing policies, which have led to the forcible expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from their homeland. Aliyeva strongly condemned the human rights violations stemming from these actions, noting the lasting and detrimental impact on displaced individuals and communities.

In addition, Aliyeva highlighted the grave issue of landmines in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, a legacy of the conflict with Armenia. The Ombudsman pointed out that Armenia had yet to provide accurate maps of the mines, which continue to pose significant threats to civilian lives and impede the region’s efforts at reconstruction and rehabilitation.

By Vafa Guliyeva