Top official: National Human Rights Program defines main directions of Azerbaijan’s activity

Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 9 / Trend / The National Action Program on Improvement of Human Rights and Freedoms Protection should be considered in the context of challenges raised within preparation of "Azerbaijan 2020: Look into the future" development strategy, head of Human Rights Protection Sector of the Department for Law Enforcement Agencies Affairs at the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Chingiz Asgarov said. Asgarov noted that the program defines protection of human rights as a priority of the Azerbaijani president's policy. The National Program reflects Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's position, his view of the country as a modern democratic state with a developed economy and effective social policy, holding strong positions in the region, he said. Previous experience in carrying out activities in human rights, as well as other countries' experience was used while developing the Program, Asgarov added. The program outlines the main directions of Azerbaijan's activity for the upcoming years and, in fact, provides the public and the international community with a complete picture of country's priorities in protection of human rights and freedoms. The program also took into account the position of the European Court of Human Rights defined not only in decisions concerning Azerbaijan, but also other countries. Asgarov said the National Program defines the mechanisms of coordination, monitoring and evaluation of its execution for the first time. A special working group has been tasked to coordinate the execution of the National Program and it consists of representatives from agencies set as executors of different activities. Asgarov said the Azerbaijani President's order on approval of National Program recommends the Ombudsman to lead the working group. "The working group will regularly inform the Azerbaijani President on results of activities. The Presidential Administration will analyze this data and based on assessments, provide the President with proposals on improving the program. Thus, a comprehensive and efficient mechanism of execution is being provided," Asgarov said. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az