A/HRC/11/20
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of them were pardoned over the past years. The prosecution of journalists for slander and insult
are rare, treated as civil cases and there is currently only one journalist serving a sentence for
defamation.
57.
Regarding children without supervision, Azerbaijan noted cases of abuse of authority by
the police but that necessary measures have been taken. On corruption, by a 2006 Decree, a
structure for internal investigations was established within the Ministry of Interior. Over the past
years, a number of cases of human rights violations by the police were registered, which led to
disciplinary measures, prosecution and dismissals.
58.
On children’s rights, efforts have been undertaken in line with the CRC, including the
2005 Law on street children and children without parental supervision. Over the last few years,
more than 1000 children were taken out of the street and received assistance tailored to their
needs including education and issuance of identification documents. To this end, Azerbaijan
cooperates with human rights institutions, SCFWC and NGOs. In 2007 and 2008 a training
course on street children was conducted and a foster institution for street children was created.
59.
Azerbaijan stated that social protection of vulnerable persons, including disabled persons
is a priority area. The main goal is to promoting employment for these persons and quotas were
established by law in 2001 for the employment of disabled persons. In addition, a law targeting
State assistance was adopted, which enshrines the principle of equality without any kind of
discrimination.
60.
On poverty, the delegation recalled that the poverty rate decreased in 2008 and referred to
the prior mentioned 2008-2015 State programme. On institutionalisation and alternative care for
children, Azerbaijan referred to the 2006-2015 State programme conducted with UNICEF and
NGOs.
61.
On women’s rights, Azerbaijan noted that it will as a State party to CEDAW present its
periodic report in 2009 to the Committee whose recommendations will help in improving the
situation. The delegation made reference to the 2007 comprehensive programme, the draft law to
prevent domestic violence, and recalled that criminal law provides for sanctions and penalties of
physical and sexual violence.
62.
On children’s rights, the delegation said that a national programme was being drafted,
and that a supplement to the criminal code had been adopted emphasizing rehabilitation of
children. There is only one educational institution, which is overcrowded, but measures will be
taken in the reform of the penitentiary system. The ICRC can visit penitentiary institutions
without obstacles and a Public Affairs Committee was established within the Ministry of Justice
made up of NGOs, which monitors the situation in full transparency.
63.
Azerbaijan praised special procedures and announced having decided to extend a
standing invitation to all of them. The Ombudsman was granted Status A in 2000 and respects
the Paris Principles. Finally, it was recalled that Azerbaijan ratified OP-CAT.
64.
Chile expressed concern at, inter alia, persistent cases of intimidation, cruel treatment and
torture, prison conditions and judicial procedures, restrictions on freedom of assembly and
expression. Chile recommended to promote and strengthen international humanitarian
cooperation and assistance so as to provide for programmes and mechanisms to contribute to the
elimination of threats and limitations to human rights of refugee and displaced persons. Chile
also recommended to speed up the implementation of legal framework, as well as improve
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