Azerbaijan`s Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva attended the 10th Board of Directors Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA) held in Pakistan.

The event, hosted by the Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan, welcomed representatives from OIC nations, including Türkiye, Bahrain, Morocco, Indonesia, and Bulgaria.

During her address, Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva highlighted the challenges emerging in ensuring human rights and freedoms due to increased armed conflicts and natural disasters. She emphasized the gross violation of fundamental human rights and the rise in forced migration as a result of these events.

Sabina Aliyeva underlined the weakened initiatives aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations amidst these challenges, emphasizing the significant role of national human rights institutions.

Drawing attention to the negative environmental impact of war, the Azerbaijani Ombudsman shed light on Armenia`s acts of ecological terrorism during the nearly 30-year occupation period, including the existing landmine problem in Azerbaijan`s liberated territories.

She informed participants about the ongoing construction efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable settlement and safe living in the liberated territories.

Aliyeva highlighted the decision to host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Azerbaijan in 2024 as a significant sign of respect and trust towards Azerbaijan.

She proposed organizing a joint event with the participation of Ombudsman institutions of OIC countries to facilitate the exchange of experiences in environmental protection and advocacy.

The 10th Board of Directors Meeting of OICOA addressed several issues of mutual interest among its members.