By Akbar Novruz
Ayd?n Safikhanli, the head of the Office of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Azerbaijan, participated in a key side event at COP29 focused on “Ensuring Children's Right to Health in the Context of Climate Change,” Azernews reports.
During his address, Safikhanli underscored the importance of protecting children's rights as a core mandate of the Ombudsman’s office. He highlighted the institution’s efforts in addressing complaints related to violations of children's rights, ensuring legal measures are taken to resolve these issues.
Safikhanli also informed the audience of recent amendments to Azerbaijan's Constitutional Law on the Human Rights Commissioner, which have expanded the Ombudsman’s role in safeguarding children’s rights and other critical areas. In line with these changes, he announced the creation of specialized monitoring groups within the office to better oversee the protection of children's rights.
Additionally, the Ombudsman’s office marked "Children's Rights Month" from October 20 to November 20, continuing its tradition of raising awareness and promoting children’s rights. For the first time, educational events were organized in schools located in the recently liberated territories of Azerbaijan, emphasizing the importance of children's rights education.
Turning to climate change, Safikhanli stressed its significant impact on human rights, particularly children’s health. He pointed to environmental pollution and crimes as major contributors to health risks, noting that such issues disproportionately affect children. He also referenced the long-standing environmental damage caused by Armenia in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, including the harmful effects of landmines, which have resulted in over 3,400 casualties, including 358 children, since the First Karabakh War.
The Ombudsman further addressed the destruction of biodiversity and the pollution of water sources in Azerbaijan’s former occupied territories, labeling it a form of ecocide. He also called attention to the ongoing risks posed by the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia, which, despite its unsafe condition, continues to operate and poses a threat to the entire region. The Ombudsman reiterated his calls for international organizations to act decisively to shut down the facility to prevent a potential nuclear disaster.
Safikhanli concluded by urging the international community to take action against environmental crimes that endanger global ecological security and violate the fundamental right of people, especially children, to live in a healthy environment.
