The Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva has received the members of the Azerbaijan national amputee football team

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, has received the members of the Azerbaijan national amputee football team.
The meeting was attended by ANAMA Councilor Fikrat Valiyev, head of the department at AFFA Nariman Akhundov, head of the Azerbaijan national amputee football team Elnur Sadigov, head coach Ramil Habibov, coaches, and team members.
During the meeting, Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva emphasized that the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan defines the protection of human rights and freedoms as the supreme purpose of the state. She noted that the integration of persons with disabilities into society, the strengthening of their social protection, and the ensuring equal opportunities are based on fundamental constitutional principles and are among the main priorities of state policy.
The Ombudsman emphasized that the landmine threat constitutes a serious danger to human rights and inflicts severe harm on the life and health of the civilian population, noting that the Ombudsman Institution continues its activities to protect the rights of landmine victims and strengthen their rehabilitation and social protection. In this context, she highlighted the particular importance of cooperation with relevant state bodies and civil society institutions, foremost ANAMA.
The Ombudsman underlined that one of the main priorities of state policy is the enhancement of support for socially vulnerable groups, especially persons with disabilities, and drew attention to the efforts undertaken to ensure their equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and participation in public life. She also noted that the proposals put forward regarding the improvement of legislation in this area, as well as the comprehensive measures implemented, are reflected in the Ombudsman’s annual reports.
It was noted that the majority of amputee athletes are individuals who lost their health as a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan’s territories, the First and Second Karabakh Wars, as well as the ongoing landmine terror in the post-conflict period. In this regard, the activities of the national amputee football team represent not only a sporting achievement, but also a vivid example of the unbreakable will, love of life, and patriotism of Azerbaijani citizens despite the severe consequences of war.
In turn, ANAMA Advisor Fikret Valiyev, Head of the Azerbaijan National Amputee Football Team Elnur Sadiqov, and   Head Coach Ramil Habibov, as well as other members of the team, provided detailed information on the team’s activities, its objectives, and the achievements attained in international and domestic competitions. It was noted that within three years of its establishment, the Azerbaijan National Amputee Football Team has performed successfully on the international stage, representing the country with distinction in a number of prestigious tournaments, and currently ranks among the top ten participating countries in the world amputee football rankings.
Expressing their gratitude to the Ombudsman for the attention and support shown, they emphasized that such meetings play an important role in increasing athletes’ motivation and, at the same time, in shaping public attitudes toward persons with physical disabilities.
Subsequently, a video clip prepared at the initiative of the Ombudsman, dedicated to the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, their integration into society, and the promotion of equal opportunities, was screened.
In conclusion, a mutual exchange of views took place, and a commemorative photo was taken.