FOREWORD
Firstly, it should be mentioned that the establishment of an institution to function as the
National Preventive Mechanism for the prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment or punishment (NPM), being the continuation of the statehood process,
derived from the government’s willingness to support international standards ensuring the
protection of human rights at higher level and the commitments undertaken thereunder. The
incorporation of the requirements of the ratified documents into the national legislation has
resulted in the designation of the Institute of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman)
of the Republic of Azerbaijan as the NPM, by taking into consideration its primary experience
and capacity in this field.
The elimination, in 2012, of the difficulties caused by the logistical deficiencies in the
previous years has resulted in the organization of the NPM’s work at a higher level and its
outstanding as a good example 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 NPM’s successful operation from the first day and enabled the organization of
constructive dialogues, necessary support, useful training sessions, and exchange of experiences.
During the short term of its operation, the Azerbaijani NPM has established 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 Commissioner as the
NPM in 2012, 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.
I would highly appreciate your comments regarding the report.
Professor Elmira SULEYMANOVA
Commissioner for Human Rights
(Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan
3