Geneva — The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) convened its 116th session, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Convention, bringing together representatives from UN agencies, regional organizations, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), and special rapporteurs. The session opened with high-level statements underscoring global commitments to combating racial discrimination.
Representatives of the Ombudsman Office of Azerbaijan played an active role in the commemorative events. Rashid Rumzada, Deputy Head of the Ombudsman Office, and Javidan Gorchiyev, Deputy Head of the Torture Prevention Department and Head of the Equality Unit, delivered speeches during the 1st and 3rd panel sessions of the High-Level Commemoration Event, aligning their remarks with the session’s agenda.
In their interventions, the Azerbaijani delegation highlighted the country’s anti-discrimination policies, equality initiatives, and the innovative approaches adopted by the Ombudsman Institution in implementing the UN Convention. They shared national good practices, emphasizing the strengthening of legal and institutional frameworks that support equality and combat discrimination.
The NHRI representatives also outlined the Ombudsman’s future plans, offering proposals to enhance human rights protection mechanisms and expand cooperation aimed at preventing discrimination at both national and international levels.
Throughout the session, the Azerbaijani Ombudsman delegation held meetings with the CERD Chair, Committee Members, and representatives of various international organizations and NHRIs. Discussions centered on the Ombudsman’s existing work, progress achieved, and opportunities for further collaboration in the field of non-discrimination.
The delegation also presented information on the Monitoring Groups established within the Ombudsman Office to support the work of the Equality Unit and related departments. They shared details of the independent monitoring mechanism developed to strengthen oversight in this area, and distributed copies of relevant monitoring and assessment reports.
The participation of the Azerbaijani Ombudsman Office reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to promoting equality, combating all forms of racial discrimination, and contributing actively to global human rights platforms.
