The Ombudsman organized the next “Open Door” reception at penitentiary facility No.4 for women prisoners of the Ministry of Justice Penitentiary Service within the National Preventive Mechanism activity.

Before the reception the Commissioner held legal awareness meeting with participation of the administration of facility and convicts. She gave information about 65 pardoning decrees and 11amnesty acts adopted and realized, provided broad information on legal reforms.

As a new practice being important in terms of raising awareness, a professor and master students of Human Rights and Criminal Law specializations of Law Faculty of the Baku State University also took part at the event.

Ombudsman announced about “Open Door” reception and received numerous women prisoners in private, examined their applications and appeals; some of them were ensured on spot.

Furthermore, issues raised by the convicts on investigation, decriminalization of crimes, property, social and family relations were clarified, their rights, legal requirements about pardoning, competences of the Ombudsman were explained. The received applications and appeals will be investigated and addressed to relevant authorities, actions will be taken for their solution.

The Commissioner also visited convicted women with babies up to three years old, got familiar with their living conditions and presented gifts for children. Women convicts expressed their satisfaction for the consideration of their rights by the Ombudsman.

In the end, discussions were held with the administration, certain recommendations were given for effectively ensuring the rights of convicts and further improvement of detention conditions.