Azerbaijan | Ombudsman conducts monitoring to examine the situation of prevention of COVID-19

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, in order to monitoring the situation of preventive measures against spread of the virus in the country the members of the National Preventive Groupn (NPG) of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan has conducted monitoring in numerous facilities of the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan all over the country, as well as in the center of detention for the administratively arrested persons of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Within the frames of monitoring, this was observed that body temperature of the persons entering the facilities is being measured by the special officer, as well as the hands of the persons are disinfected regularly in the facility. At the same time, this was mentioned that according the rules, the physical communication of the convicts and detainees with the other people are restricted. 

The NPG members spoke with the officials and physicians of the facilities on ensuring the rights of the convicts and detainees, as well as examined the prices of the goods in the facility store. They were informed about the recommendations World Health Organization and Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers. The NPG members also stressed the importance of continuing the disinfection measures, putting on protective masks and gloves, and following the rules and instructions with regard the social isolation of the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministries.    

The head of the facility was also informed that in order to prevent spread of the COVID-19 and according the rules and instruction of the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ombudsman Office temporarily stopped the live reception of applicants in the Ombudsman Office as well as in the regional centers.

Taking this into account the head of the facility was recommended to address the application of the detainees to the Ombudsman without any delay by post. The living condition of the places where the persons cannot leave on their own will is in the focus of the Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva and the monitoring will be continued. 

Source: Office of the Ombudsman, Azerbaijan