UNICEF ATTACHES ‘GREAT’ IMPORTANCE TO COOPERATION WITH AZERBAIJAN

Baku, May 14 (AzerTAc). UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States (CEE/CIS) has expressed the organization`s keenness to boost cooperation with Azerbaijan.
Speaking to deputy minister of justice Togrul Musayev in Baku, Steven Allen said UNICEF attaches “great” importance to its cooperation with the country.
Allen praised Azerbaijan`s achievements in judicial and juvenile justice systems. He in particular hailed UNICEF`s cooperation with the country`s justice ministry in this regard.
Musayev highlighted the Azeri government`s “complex” measures towards improving human rights records, strengthening the protection of children`s rights, perfecting legislation and advancing juvenile justice in the country.
“These achievements have been made under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.”
The deputy minister also praised the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s role in “promoting the overall development of children”.
“The foundation, which has recently turned 6, has been realizing large scale projects aimed at ensuring children`s development,” said Musayev.
He also touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, expressing regret over the fact it saw “gross” violation of the rights of “hundred of thousands of children”.
“Armenia has occupied Azerbaijan`s territories and conducted an ethnic cleansing policy there, leaving more than a million refugees and IDPs.”
They also discussed activities of the Azerbaijan Justice Academy and stressed the significance of holding trainings for judges on juvenile justice.
UNICEF`s representative in the country Mark Hereward was present at the meeting.