European Union and Azerbaijan hold first session of EU-Azerbaijan Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, Security and Human Rights and Democracy

On 30 November – 1 December 2010, the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan held the first session of the EU-Azerbaijan Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, Security and Human Rights and Democracy. This marked the beginning of a process that will enhance exchange and dialogue with Azerbaijan on  a range of critical issues.

The meeting was co-chaired by Mahmud Mammadguliyev Deputy Foreign Minister and Mr John Kjaer, Head of Unit for Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and Southern Caucasus at the European Commission.

The first day's meeting took stock of the implementation of the EU-Azerbaijan ENP Action Plan in the field of democracy, good governance and human rights. It allowed an exchange of views on the human rights situation both in the Republic of Azerbaijan as well as in the EU.

As it was the first meeting of this kind, the talks focused on a broad range of issues, including: the national framework for the protection of human rights, the reform of the judiciary, elections and electoral framework, freedom of expression and information, freedom of assembly and association, including the functioning of civil society; rights of women, children and internally displaced persons.  The EU and the Republic of Azerbaijan also discussed human rights cooperation within international organisations, in particular at the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe.

The second day was an opportunity to open a wide range of issues related to Justice and Home Affairs. Exchanges were fruitful on migration issues, including visa policy and readmission. EU informed of present trends in its main policies regarding border management, fight against organised crime, law enforcement, fight against corruption, judicial cooperation and fight against terrorism. The authorities provided comprehensive presentations regarding national policies in these fields, their implementation and reform underway.

The session at expert level was held in a friendly, open and constructive atmosphere, with an exchange on a wide range of issues of mutual interest and concern, as well as discussions on possibilities for concrete cooperation and follow up.

In keeping with the EU’s practice of incorporating the voice of society into its meetings on human rights with third countries, the EU met on a bilateral basis on November 29th 2010, with representatives of Azerbaijani NGOs and international NGOs prior to the human rights dialogue.

The EU team consisted of Mr. Rolf Timans, Head of Unit, DG RELEX, Ms. Karin Gatt-Rutter, South Caucasus team coordinator, DG RELEX, Ms. Deren Derya, DG RELEX, Mr. François Chauvin, DG HOME, Ms. Dafni Gogou, DG HOME, and Mr. Audrone Perkauskiene, Council Secretariat- General.


/Today.Az/