Ombudsman of Azerbaijan Participates in GANHRI Annual Meeting 2026 in Geneva
The Ombudsman of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ms. Sabina Aliyeva, a Board Member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), participated in the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), held in Geneva.
The meeting brought together heads and representatives of national human rights institutions, international organizations, and experts to discuss key global human rights issues and exchange best practices.
During the event, Ms. Aliyeva delivered remarks highlighting Azerbaijan’s efforts in promoting and protecting human rights, with particular emphasis on digital governance and emerging technologies. She also participated in a side event titled “Protection of Human Rights in the Digital Space: Experiences and Best Practices of National Human Rights Institutions,” organized by the Ombudsman of Uzbekistan.
In her presentation, the Ombudsman outlined significant developments in Azerbaijan, including the adoption of the Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025–2028 and the Action Plan for Accelerating Digital Development for 2026–2028. She noted that the Ombudsman institution is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, particularly in data analysis and service delivery.
Ms. Aliyeva emphasized the importance of safeguarding the right of access to information in the digital age, highlighting the institution’s role in overseeing compliance with national legislation on access to information, investigating related complaints, and ensuring accountability.
Within the framework of the GANHRI meeting, the Ombudsman also participated in the session titled “Exchange of Good Practices: People on the Move,” where she addressed issues related to the protection of refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. She highlighted Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of internally displaced persons, alongside broader initiatives to protect vulnerable groups.
She further noted that monitoring activities are conducted through the National Preventive Group and independent mechanisms, including visits to temporary accommodation centers and engagement with detained individuals to assess the protection of their rights.
The participation of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan underscores the country’s commitment to advancing human rights, embracing digital innovation, and strengthening international cooperation, in line with OICOA’s mission to promote good governance, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights among its member institutions.
