OSCE Office hosts conference on human rights litigation in Azerbaijan

BAKU, 11 December 2008 - A two-day conference on applying international standards and strategic human rights litigation, organized by the OSCE Office, started in Baku today.

The conference aims to explore the challenges of litigation in the country, including matters related to independence of the judiciary and equality of arms. Participants will discuss human rights violations cases brought before the European Court on Human Rights (ECtHR) against Azerbaijan, as well as the impact of the European Court's judgments on domestic legislation and the practice of the domestic courts.

"The OSCE stands ready to support the efforts of all stakeholders for efficient promotion and protection of human rights in Azerbaijan," said Ambassador Jose-Luis Herrero, the Head of the OSCE Office in Baku. "I hope that the dialogue established through the conference will have a practical impact on judicial reforms."

The conference provides a platform for bringing together representatives of intergovernmental organizations and state officials, as well as judges, the ombudsperson, the Agent of the Republic of Azerbaijan before the ECtHR, and members of the Collegium of Advocates and non-governmental organizations active in the field of human rights.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Netherlands Helsinki Committee, INTERIGHTS (United Kingdom) and the Legal Education Society (Azerbaijan), with the support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.