Azerbaijani president reaffirms human rights as pillar of state sovereignty Message to International Symposium of Ombudsmen

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has reaffirmed the centrality of human rights and the rule of law in state governance, describing the protection of fundamental freedoms as one of the state’s primary responsibilities.

Addressing participants at the International Symposium of Ombudsmen in Baku, held under the theme “Strengthening the Rule of Law: The Role of Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions,” Aliyev emphasized the critical importance of upholding legal frameworks to safeguard individual rights, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"This year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the fifth anniversary of our glorious victory in the Patriotic War. On this occasion, 2025 has been declared a 'Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty' in the Republic of Azerbaijan. June 18 is also marked as Human Rights Day in Azerbaijan. The fact that today’s symposium is taking place on such significant dates not only highlights its importance, but also carries special significance in terms of bolstering and promoting the values of independence and sovereignty, democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights in Azerbaijan," the president said.

Aliyev underscored the evolving challenges to human rights protection in a rapidly changing global environment.

"The protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms is one of the primary tasks of all states. In particular, recent global processes, geopolitical tensions, the rapid development of information technologies and the transition to digitalization necessitate the identification of new priorities in the field of human rights protection, the strengthening of human rights mechanisms, as well as the activities of national human rights institutions," the president noted.

He also pointed to the importance of aligning Azerbaijan’s ombudsman institution with international standards as part of ongoing legal and institutional reforms.

The President highlighted the issue of refugee rights, with specific reference to the historical deportation of Azerbaijanis from what is now the Republic of Armenia.

"One of the topics to be discussed at the symposium is related to the rights of refugees. The issue that warrants special attention in this area is the forced deportation and ethnic cleansing of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from Western Azerbaijan, the territory of Armenia, starting at the beginning of the last century. After those horrific deportations, not a single Azerbaijani remained in Armenia, and the ancient historical, cultural, religious, and spiritual heritage of our people in these territories, including monuments, mosques, and cemeteries, was destroyed. Historical justice requires the peaceful and safe return of these people to their homeland. Armenia must respect the right of Azerbaijanis to return to their ancestral lands. This is an essential condition for the establishment of peace, reconciliation, and human rights in the region," he asserted.

President Aliyev concluded his address with optimism about the symposium’s impact:

"I am sure that the discussions and exchange of experience to be held at this symposium will be instrumental in protecting human rights and freedoms, promoting a culture of law, strengthening cooperation between institutions and determining future prospects for ensuring the rule of law. Let me welcome you once again and wish your symposium great success."

By Vafa Guliyeva