FOREWORD
The designation of the Institute of the Commissioner for Human Rights
(Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan as the establishment to function as
the National Preventive Mechanism according to the OPCAT vested that
institution with huge responsibilities. The fulfilment of the duties engendered by
that decision, which was the continuation of the legal reforms and statehood
process in the country, and served to the protection of human rights at higher
level, has become one of the main directions of the activity of the Commissioner.
In 2014 the Commissioner ensured the organisation and improvement of her
activity as an NPM at higher level, and our institution became one of the
outstanding organisations among the relevant agencies of other countries.
The Commissioner’s mutual relationships with state agencies, civil society
representatives, mass media, international organizations, as well as foreign
Ombudsmen have ensured the successful operation of the NPM from the outset
and enabled the organization of constructive dialogues, necessary support, useful
training sessions, and exchange of experiences.
During the term of its operation, the Azerbaijani NPM has established a
distinctive reputation among the relevant specialized organizations and the general
public due to its contributions to the improvement of the prevention of torture in
the country from both the legislative and institutional perspectives.
The current report, which covers the activity carried out by the Azerbaijani
NPM in 2014, comprises the measures undertaken for the improvement of the
NPM’s operation, cases revealed during preventive visits, presented
recommendations and suggestions and the state of their implementation, as well as
other activities undertaken by the NPM and proposals and recommendations
derived from the conducted analyses.
We would highly appreciate any comments regarding the report.
Professor Elmira SULEYMANOVA
Commissioner for Human Rights
(Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan
4