Mar 8, 2018 - ODIHR has been mandated by the participating States to provide assistance in implementation of human dimen
AZƏRBAYCAN RESPUBLİKASININ ATƏT YANINDA DAİMİ NÜMAYƏNDƏLİYİ
PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN TO THE OSCE
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Statement by the Delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan 1178th Meeting of the Permanent Council, 08 March 2018 in response to report by ODIHR Mr. Chairperson, The Delegation of Azerbaijan welcomes Director Gisladottir back to the Permanent Council and thanks her for the report. ODIHR has been mandated by the participating States to provide assistance in implementation of human dimension commitments, including through election observation activities. In line with relevant OSCE commitments, the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan has extended invitation to the OSCE/ODIHR to observe the early presidential election, which is scheduled to take place on 11 April 2018. We thank ODIHR for constructive engagement and express our readiness to continue cooperation with ODIHR on hosting Election Monitoring Mission, on the basis of principles of objectivity, impartiality and professionalism. We took a positive note of the wide range of ODIHR activities aimed at protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, strengthening democratic institutions, promoting tolerance and nondiscrimination, and improving the situation of Roma and Sinti. In particular, we welcome ODIHR’s efforts focusing on countering hate crimes as well as specific forms of intolerance, including racism and xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance against Muslims and Christians, in line with relevant OSCE decisions. We observed that in the wake of migrant and refugee crisis, the Office has provided advice, assistance and support to participating States in responding to these challenges. Nevertheless, we regret to observe lack of attention to the issue of IDPs in ODIHR activities. Protecting rights of internally displaced persons and seeking durable solutions to their situations, including the exercise of their right to return in safety and dignity must be addressed by ODIHR. As for the HDIM, we want to emphasize our concern that HDIM has turned into a tool to promote the illegal unrecognized regime in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. We should prevent for abusing OSCE platform for such provocative purposes and need to address this concern. NGO participation at HDIM meetings should be in line with the provisions of Chapters IV and VI of Helsinki Document of 1992 and PC Decision 476 of 2002. In conclusion, we wish Director Gisladottir and her able team every success in their future endeavors. Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
