The Rule of Law and Human Rights Unit of the OSCE Office in Baku promotes the effective implementation of OSCE commitments and related international standards relevant to the field of the rule of law and human rights by supporting ongoing legal and judicial reforms in Azerbaijan.

Monitoring court proceedings and detention facilities

The Unit has been monitoring court proceedings’ compliance with fair trial standards since 2003 and sharing its findings and recommendations with the authorities and other stakeholders to improve the justice sector. The Unit also monitors conditions of detention in prisons, pre-trial detention facilities and police stations, and shares these findings and related recommendations with the authorities to improve the conditions of detention. Further, since Azerbaijan's 2009 ratification of the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in January 2009, the Unit supports the new mandate the Ombudsman’s Office to act as Azerbaijan’s National Preventive Mechanism.

Strengthening the capacity of justice and law enforcement actors

The Unit assists the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs, the Judicial Legal Council, the Office of the Prosecutor and the Bar Association in strengthening the capacity of legal professionals and law enforcement officials through training and capacity building activities including both substantive and procedural legal issues. Using a "train the trainers" approach to ensure sustainability and to institutionalise lessons learned across Azerbaijan, including the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan, these training activities are based on  OSCE commitments and related international standards.

Regional legal resource centres

The Unit supports legal resource centres with legal libraries and databases in four regions outside Baku in the cities of Sumgayit, Ganja, Lankaran and Sheki. The centres provide free legal advice on a wide range of legal matters related to reported violations of fair trial standards, property rights, social and women rights. The centres also provide limited representation services, mostly in civil court cases. Moreover, through the legal resource centres and in co-operation with local authorities, the Unit supports training activities for legal professionals, civil society and public awareness raising activities.

Providing human rights advice

In addition, the Unit provides advice on a wide range of human rights legal matters and addresses allegations of violation with the competent authorities. The Unit also raises public awareness about human rights through the production and dissemination of informative booklets about domestic legislation and its mechanisms for achieving effective remedies in promoting access to justice and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Support to legal reforms and the implementation of legislation

The Unit provides specialized legal advice to the Parliament on new legislation, for example on the rights of suspects and accused and on lawmaking processes. The Unit also supports the implementation of legislation in accordance with OSCE commitments and related international standards.