Baku: Representatives from the Ombudsman's Office in Azerbaijan have engaged with citizens recently repatriated from Syria, following the government's continued efforts to bring back its nationals. This year, 16 individuals, comprising seven women and nine children, were successfully repatriated on July 18-19, 2026. These efforts are part of a phased and coordinated approach by the Azerbaijani government to ensure the safe return of its citizens from the Syrian Arab Republic.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the subject-matter experts from the Ombudsman's Office conducted a meeting with these returnees, who are currently housed at a facility operated by the Social Services Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. During the meeting, the experts evaluated the protection of the repatriates' rights and assessed their basic needs. The repatriated individuals were also informed about the Ombudsman's mandate, which includes the safeguarding of the rights of women and children.

Additionally, the facility's management provided a briefing to the Ombudsman's experts regarding the rehabilitation services offered to the returnees. The meeting concluded with discussions on its outcomes, and the facility staff received recommendations aimed at improving the support and services provided to those repatriated.