No:182/24, Press release on the 5th periodic report of the Republic of Azerbaijan under the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
24 April 2024 22:40
On 23–24 April 2024, within the framework of the 79th session of the United Nations Committee against Torture held in Geneva, the presentation of the 5th periodic report of the Republic of Azerbaijan under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment took place.
The Republic of Azerbaijan was represented at the event by a delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Samir Sharifov.
In his speech, the Deputy Minister noted that the Republic of Azerbaijan attaches great importance to cooperation with the relevant United Nations human rights treaty bodies and provided the Committee members with detailed information on recent judicial reforms carried out in the country, as well as other progressive steps taken to implement obligations arising from the Convention.
In his remarks, the Deputy Minister stated that, following the liberation of Azerbaijan’s territories from nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation as a result of the Patriotic War, Azerbaijan is now able, for the first time, to fully implement its obligations under international treaties to which it is a party across its entire territory and to ensure the rule of law.
In addition, S. Sharifov provided comprehensive information on measures undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan to deepen legislative reforms, including the application of new information technologies, as well as on numerous domestic and international trainings, seminars, and educational programs organized for law enforcement officials on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Furthermore, Committee members were informed about measures taken to ensure the independence of the judiciary, modernize the justice system, improve penitentiary infrastructure, and provide quality medical services to prisoners, humanize penal policy, apply alternative sanctions, combat human trafficking and domestic violence, and ensure the rights of the child, including the elimination of all forms of violence against children. National action plans and state programs adopted in these areas were also presented, and the questions raised by the Committee members were answered comprehensively.
