Ilham Aliyev sent an address to the participants of the International Symposium of Ombudsmen

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent an address to the participants of the International Symposium of Ombudsmen on the topic "Strengthening the Rule of Law: The Role of Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions".

As reported by AZERTAG, the address states:

"Dear symposium participants,

I welcome you on the occasion of the opening of the International Symposium of Ombudsmen on the topic "Strengthening the Rule of Law: The Role of Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions".

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the 5th anniversary of our glorious victory in the Patriotic War, in connection with which 2025 has been declared in the Republic of Azerbaijan as the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty". June 18 is also celebrated in our country as Human Rights Day. The coincidence of today's symposium with such significant dates not only increases its importance but also has special significance in terms of promoting and advancing the values of independence and sovereignty, democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights in Azerbaijan.

The protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms is one of the main tasks of states. In particular, recent global processes, geopolitical tensions, the rapid development of information technologies, and the transition to digitalization necessitate the identification of new priorities in the field of human rights protection, as well as strengthening human rights mechanisms and the activities of national human rights institutions. From this perspective, the measures taken within the framework of legal and institutional reforms carried out in our country to fully align the mandate of the ombudsman institution with international legal norms are of great importance, and these measures continue.

One of the topics that will be discussed at the symposium is related to the rights of refugees. In this area, special attention should be paid to the issue of the forced expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis who were subjected to ethnic cleansing from Western Azerbaijan - the territory of Armenia since the beginning of the last century. After those terrible deportations, not a single Azerbaijani remained in the territory of Armenia, and the ancient historical, cultural, and religious-spiritual heritage of our people in these territories, including monuments, mosques, and cemeteries, was destroyed. Historical justice requires ensuring the peaceful and safe return of these people to their native lands. Armenia must respect the right of Azerbaijanis to return to their ancestral lands. This is a necessary condition for establishing peace, reconciliation, and respect for human rights in the region.

I am confident that the discussions and exchange of experience that will take place at this symposium will be useful in terms of protecting human rights and freedoms, promoting legal culture, strengthening inter-agency cooperation, and determining future prospects for ensuring the rule of law.

Once again, I welcome you and wish you success in the work of the symposium".