BackElmira Suleymanova, the Commissioner for Human Rights received delegation from European Committee for Prevention of Torture guided by its President Mykola Gnatovskyy.
She informed guests about designation of Ombudsman Institute as a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) following adherence of Azerbaijan to Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, changes made to the Constitutional Law on Ombudsman in this regard.
Ombudsman noted that for organizing systematic work in this regard, National Preventive Group (NPG) was set up which conducts monitoring in places which persons can not leave on will. It was added that during visits, detainees are interviewed confidentially, their applications are received, management of detention facilities are given relevant recommendations, moreover, after each visit respective bodies are urged to, the outcomes of visits are analysed and published as a report.
It was added that Azerbaijani Ombudsman actively participates in EU Twinning Projects, and capacity building of Ombudsman as NPM always is included as one of the components. Thus, two CPT members were involved in preparation of NPM guidelines during first Twinning Light Project. The second ongoing Twinning Project also covers capacity building of NPM. Within the project study tripe were organized to Greece, Germany, Poland and Portugal and it was got familiar with the work of NPMs of those countries, experiences were shared.
M. Gnatovskyy thanked the Commissioner for comprehensive information, appreciated openness of the Ombudsman Office and work of NPM. He stressed the importance of synergy (cooperation) between the Ombudsman Office and CPT.
Questions of guest regarding the Ombudsman’s mandate as NPM, the activity of NPG, its members, the format of the visits, etc were answered during the meeting.
Source: Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman), Azerbaijan
