ROUNDTABLE “COUNCIL OF EUROPE AND AZERBAIJAN: A NEW STAGE IN PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS” HELD IN OMBUDSMAN OFFICE

Baku, January 24 (AzerTAc). Roundtable “Council of Europe and Azerbaijan: a new stage in protection of human rights” was held in the Ombudsman Office in Azerbaijan.

The event was devoted to the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe and 50th
anniversary of the European Court of Human Rights. It brought together government
officials, members of Milli Majlis, UNICEF Representative to Azerbaijan, and head of
the Information Office of the Council of Europe in Baku as well as media
representatives.
Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan Elmira Suleymanova said prior to joining the
Council of Europe her country took a number of steps towards integrating into the
Organization and improving its legislation.
According to her, joining the organization Azerbaijan once again demonstrated its
commitment to democratic values, human rights and freedoms.
She stressed Azerbaijan ratified the European Convention on Human Rights on December
25, 2001, and that the country has successfully been fulfilling its human rights
commitments.
MP Ali Huseyonv made a report on implementation of the European Convention on Human
Rights (ECHR). He said Azerbaijan`s legislation was brought into line with ECHR.
Huseynov underlined that his country also granted legal status to the Convention.
He also noted that Azerbaijan`s successful integration into the European structures
was underway.
Official of the Justice Ministry Faig Gurbanov briefed the participants on legal
reforms carried out in the country.
Official of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population Vugar Hasanov
spoke of reforms aimed at improving social protection system in the country.