Authorized representative of human rights Ombudsm

Establishment of the Ombudsman Institute was one of the important steps taken on creation of the new efficient human rights protection mechanisms demonstrating a logical continuation of the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan in the direction of establishment of legal state building process.Establishment of the Institute of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Azerbaijan for the first time was reflected in the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Actions in Provision of Human Rights and Freedoms” dated 22 February, 1998 considering ensuring of human rights as a national duty.

Moreover, establishment of the Institute of the Commissioner for Human Rights was also enshrined in the “State Program on Protection of Human Rights” approved with Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 18 June, 1998.On 28 December, 2001 the Constitutional Law “On the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan” was adopted by the Milli Majlis (the Parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Material and legal base was created for establishment and activity of the Ombudsman Institute.On March 5, 2002, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed a Decree on implementation of the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Commissioner for human Rights of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The first Ombudsman of the Republic of Azerbaijan was elected on 2 July, 2002 by the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan among three candidates put forward by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan with 111 voices (out of 112 voices).
On 2 July, 2002 the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on annexes and amendments to some legislative acts of the Republic of Azerbaijan was adopted in connection with the implementation of the Constitutional Law “On the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.The abovementioned innovations on the establishment of the Ombudsman Institute reflected in the legislation were enshrined in the state Constitution as a result of amendments made in national voting (referendum) held on 24 August, 2002.

Important work has been done in regard to the organization of the activity of the Ombudsman Institute.On 17 September, 2002 the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan approved the budget of the Ombudsman Institute and the first financial operations started in the end of the October.Since the establishment of the Ombudsman Institute, the Minister of Justice and the staff members of the Ministry rendered possible assistance to the Commissioner and to her Office. Thus, trainings were organized by the Law-education Centre at the Ministry for persons willing to work at the Ombudsman Office.