Baku: The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, has officially declared October 20 to November 20 as “Children’s Rights Month,” aiming to boost the protection and promotion of children’s rights across the nation, according to a statement reported by Trend News Agency.
According to Trend News Agency, Aliyeva emphasized the significance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), adopted by the United Nations on November 20, 1989, which Azerbaijan is committed to upholding. The CRC principles include non-discrimination, the prioritization of children’s interests, the right to life and development, and respect for children’s views. Azerbaijan has seen substantial progress in its child protection laws, state programs, and institutional frameworks to support children’s rights, aligning with international standards.
The “Children’s Rights Month” campaign, now an established initiative, commemorates the 35th anniversary of the CRC. It focuses on strengt
hening efforts to safeguard children’s rights, enhancing care for children, and increasing public awareness. Aliyeva highlighted the month-long campaign’s success in garnering significant participation from government bodies, civil organizations, and the broader community, leading to an increase in similar initiatives.
Additionally, Aliyeva raised concerns about the safety of children in conflict-affected areas, particularly due to ecological crimes and landmines in territories previously occupied by Armenian forces. She reported that mine explosions have resulted in over 3,400 casualties, including 358 children, since the onset of military actions by Armenia against Azerbaijan. The Ombudsperson called for international human rights institutions to address these issues decisively.
In her statement, Aliyeva also linked the protection of children’s rights to environmental concerns, noting Azerbaijan’s designation of 2024 as the “Green World Solidarity Year” and its role as host of the 29th Conference of the P
arties of the UNFCC (COP29) in November. She stressed the importance of focusing on children, who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The Ombudsperson urged various state institutions, municipalities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to actively participate in the “Child Rights Month-Long Campaign.” She expressed hope that the campaign would not only highlight the issues but also lead to concrete actions to safeguard and promote the rights and freedoms of children.