Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva Participated in the Second Business and Human Rights Forum in Strasbourg

The Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, participated at the "BRAVE 2026" Second Business and Human Rights Forum held in Strasbourg, France.

The purpose of the Forum had brought together representatives of foreign government agencies, the business sector, international organizations, and experts, alongside ombudspersons and NHRIs was to promote international cooperation in combating forced labour and to discuss innovative solutions to address forced labor and find innovative solutions.

During a panel session titled "Forced Labor in the Green and Digital Transitions: New Risks, New Responsibilities," Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva emphasized that NHRIs, can make significant contributions to preventing and identifying early risks associated with forced labor.

The Ombudsman noted that the fight against human trafficking is one of the priority areas of activity for the Ombudsman Institution in Azerbaijan. She highlighted that together with measures taken for expanding cooperation with public stakeholders and civil society organizations to strengthen preventive measures in the field of concern, monitoring visits to relevant institutions, confidential meetings with potential victims, and awareness-raising activities are also conducted regularly.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that the Ombudsman’s recommendations were incorporated into the process of drafting of the “National Action Plan on Combating Human Trafficking for 2026–2030”, which has already been adopted.

Within the framework of the event, Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva held bilateral meetings with the Council of Europe Secretary General, Alain Berset, the Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe, Gianluca Esposito, the Executive Secretary of the CoE Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), Petya Nestorova, and other high-level officials and international experts.

During these meetings, discussions focused on prospective cooperation in the field of human rights and institutional partnerships with ombuds institutions. The Commissioner provided comprehensive information on her ongoing activities in the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.