Ensuring equality and non-discrimination remains a key priority in Azerbaijan, where legal frameworks are in place, but challenges in their implementation and monitoring persist. Institutions continue to face difficulties in identifying discrimination, collecting relevant data and ensuring equal access to rights and services for everyone. To improve how citizens are protected within existing mechanisms, representatives of the Ombudsperson Offices of Azerbaijan and Montenegro, alongside international partners, gathered in Baku for a two-day exchange.
During the event, participants engaged in thematic discussions led by experts from both institutions. The sessions addressed a wide range of topics, including combating discrimination and ensuring equality, monitoring mechanisms under the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), mental health within a human rights framework, children’s rights and online hate speech, as well as access to services for persons with disabilities and data collection in equality bodies.
The exchange was highly interactive, with participants from both Azerbaijan and Montenegro focusing on practical application: what works, what doesn’t and how institutions can adapt European standards to national contexts. Participants shared real cases, tested approaches, and identified gaps in implementation, strengthening their capacity not only to apply but also to monitor anti-discrimination standards in their daily work.
The study visit concluded with a strong interest in continuing cooperation and exploring possible joint initiatives, further strengthening collaboration between the Ombudsperson Offices of Azerbaijan and Montenegro.
The event was organised as part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the regional project “Promoting Equality in Azerbaijan.”
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