"Anti-corruption measures must be systematic and sustainable, there is no end in sight" - INTERVIEW

MP, member of the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, Elshad Mirbashir talked about this to e-huquq.az.

-Mr Elshad, some times ago, it was held the VII Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party. New decisions, new charter were adopted. Structural changes were also made. What innovations will these changes lead to?

-Today, society is changing in different directions. The changes cover all fields: political, economic, social, cultural. Against the background of these changes, everyu structure must innovate and change its activities. Because as time changes, so do the requirements. NAP has always been an innovative party and was elected on its own initiative. We must not forget that the success of Azerbaijan in the history of independence is directly related to the name of the NAP. During the NAP's rule, Azerbaijan defined a unique development strategy and began to implement it. We all know the situation in Azerbaijan when the national leader Heydar Aliyev came to power. Putting the country out of this situation and putting it on the path of development, in the true sense of the word, requires, above all, great will, experience, self-sacrifice and love for its people. Based on all this, I can say that the NAP has played a direct role in bringing Azerbaijan to where it is today.

Today, Azerbaijan has a very effective role in the modern system of international relations. Our country has one of the central positions in the system of cooperation. Cooperation platforms are being created at the initiative of Azerbaijan. At the initiative of Azerbaijan, serious steps are being taken to solve international problems. At the summit of the Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group last year, a proposal was made to convene a special session of the UN General Assembly on the fight against COVID-19 on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev. This initiative was quickly welcomed by the vast majority of UN member states. Such a session took place in December last year. The purpose of the summit of the Cooperation Council of the Turkic Speaking States was to discuss the fight against the pandemic. All this shows that Azerbaijan is a country that is able to contribute to the solution of global problems. Because the initiatives put forward by Mr. President in the fight against the global pandemic were put forward not only for the salvation of Azerbaijan, but also for the salvation of our humanity.

Today, Azerbaijan is able to control and solve problems both domestically and regionally. From this point of view, the achievements of Azerbaijan in all directions during the NAP government are immeasurable in the true sense of the word. As a dynamically developing country, Azerbaijan has new goals. As you know, the main goal facing us as a nation today is to achieve the return of IDPs to their native lands within the framework of the Great Return Program. The NAP, as the country's leading political organization, must play a leading role in this process. Thanks to the experience of the NAP organization and the great human resources it unites around it, it can make a significant contribution to the realization of our highest goal.

Azerbaijan, which liberated its lands from occupation, is already taking on a new image in the modern system of cooperation. The NAP must build its activities in accordance with the new goals facing Azerbaijan. Our goals require more flexibility and quality. Therefore, there was a need for changes in the structure and management of the NAP. In this regard, the decision approved the 40-member Board of the New Azerbaijan Party, the 13-member Inspection Commission and the 35-member NAP Veterans Council as a new body. The congress also adopted a new charter of the party. All these are quite progressive changes and are calculated on the flexibility of management. Where there is flexible management, it is achieved in a qualitative manner in accordance with the set goals. This is a tried and tested practice in governing the country.

I would like to emphasize that the appointment of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva as Deputy Chairman of our party can be considered as the beginning of a new stage in the history of the NAP. The appointment of Mehriban Aliyeva to the post of Deputy Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party will create a basis for the party to respond more effectively and flexibly to the challenges of the new era. It is well known to our society that there has always been progress where Mehriban Aliyeva's name is mentioned. At present, political dialogue initiatives are supported in our society. Quite effective steps have been taken in this direction. A department for relations with political parties and the legislature has been established in the Presidential Administration. There are enough professional staff in this department, quality work is done in the relevant field. Of course, this also gives us reason to be optimistic about the future. At a time when political dialogue initiatives are expanding, the appointment of Mehriban Aliyeva as Deputy Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party will have a special impact on the role of the New Azerbaijan Party in the life of our country. Because Mehriban Aliyeva was one of the most active propagandists of intercultural dialogue. Today, integration in science, education and culture is one of the most effective ways to ensure the security of our modern world. That is, if there is scientific, cultural and educational integration between the peoples, they will easily resolve their conflicting problems. The deeper cooperation in this direction, the farther away our world will be from conflicts. Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva also works in this direction. It is no coincidence that she was awarded the status of Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO. Taking this into account, we can say that the NAP's conciliatory position in society will be more effective in the next stage. More serious steps will be taken to ensure political dialogue. Shortly, the changes taking place in the NAP will reveal a new image of the party.

- Today, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, large-scale reforms are being carried out in Azerbaijan, as well as a serious fight against corruption. As a result of anti-corruption measures, we have witnessed the arrest of many high-ranking officials, as well as former officials. What can you say about the continuation of these reforms?

-Corruption is one of the most serious and dangerous social threats of all countries. Today, corruption is rampant in almost every country in the world. Of course, there is the issue of the level of corruption. It is very important to carry out systematic work to eliminate this scourge. Personnel reforms have been carried out in Azerbaijan for several years. One of the main goals of these reforms is to eliminate corruption. Institutional reforms not only provide flexibility in public administration, but also serve to reduce and eliminate corruption. If we look at the world experience, we see that corruption is a minority where civil-official contacts are minimal. In places where civil-official relations are close, there will inevitably be cases of corruption to one degree or another. There is an ASAN service, which is already recognized as an Azerbaijani brand, to minimize civil servant relations. The ASAN service experience is the best example of good governance in Azerbaijan. The steps taken by Mr. President are essentially a reflection of ASAN's service experience. On the other hand, corruption depends on the people themselves. Citizens should not allow corruption to occur. They must know themselves rights. In this regard, it is necessary to expand awareness among citizens.
The head of state demonstrates the will to fight corruption. Personnel and structural reforms are being implemented systematically. Officials who commit corruption are punished. I think that the complex nature of these steps will allow Azerbaijan to achieve positive results. Generally, anti-corruption measures must be systematic and sustainable. So, there is no end in sight to be reached here. Along with improving public administration, it is necessary to take measures to combat corruption. The direction of institutional reforms should be defined in such a way that corruption automatically disappears.

The General Office for Combating Corruption under the Prosecutor General's Office operates in Azerbaijan. Additionally, there is Commission on Combating Corruption of the Republic of Azerbaijan. That is, Azerbaijan has the necessary structures to fight corruption. On the other hand, there is activity in creating a conceptual framework for the fight against corruption. I think that the better these components complement each other, the better we will see in anti-corruption measures.

-Mr. Elshad, the number of suicides has increased in our country in recent days. Suicide attempts are especially common among young people. What do you see as the main reasons for it? Should steps be taken to prevent it?

-Suicide can occur for various reasons. An event in a person's private life can cause it. Every issue in society can worry them, or a person's psychological condition may cause them to take such a step. Social networks also have a great influence on this issue. If we pay attention, we will see that it is possible to commit various crimes against humanity through social networks. Therefore, a control mechanism over social networks should be considered. Not every piece of information that cries on social media should be disseminated or discussed. There is a lack of control here. Steps are planned in many countries. I think that a control mechanism related to social networks should be applied in our country as well. It is not right to open a discussion in any way on social networking platforms. Insults and threats must not be allowed. This has a negative effect on people's mental state. It is necessary to control social networks in the interests of society. This should not be seen as a restriction on freedom of expression. If social networks are so influential that they can lead to suicide among adolescents and young people, it is necessary to take steps in this direction. Of course, these issues should be specifically regulated by law. Of course, it is not right to connect the cause of suicides only with social networks. There are other aspects of the issue. I simply point to social networks as the most effective platform. Because today teenagers and young people spend their time mainly on social networks. Out-of-control discussions can negatively affect their upbringing, morals, and employment.

In addition, the world is currently experiencing tensions over the pandemic. The socio-psychological condition of people is not stable. Restrictions and closures related to the quarantine regime have an impact on the psychological state of people. We must take these factors into account. In general, I think that the main work in solving the problem falls on the parents. However, it should be noted that there are certain problems that parents also face. The processes taking place in society do not pass unnoticed to them. We live in a time when it is very difficult to raise such a child in a normal family. In my opinion, it is important to raise awareness with adolescents. They must be controlled. This problem is not an individual matter of any family or person. Our national issue is the development of the next generation in Azerbaijan. The upbringing of a young generation with a healthy spirit and common sense can never be an individual matter.

Azerbaijan has a very successful youth policy under the leadership of Mr. President. President always emphasizes that steps towards the youth have a special place in his activity. Because the future of our country depends on our youth. Youth House operate as one of the most successful examples of the state's youth policy. But we need to think about how to use them more effectively. It is necessary to adapt the employment of young people to the requirements of the time. All steps must be taken for them to develop in a healthy spirit and to have high professional skills. A new approach to youth policy is needed. If any activity is based on a quality concept, there will definitely be success. I think it is necessary to update the conceptual framework of youth policy in Azerbaijan. The President has quite successful strategic vision in this direction, and the establishment of activities in accordance with it will lead to successful results.

-How do you think that necessary measures are being taken today to educate young people in the field of human rights? What are the disadvantages in this fields?

-The factor of human rights is the basis of both individual and collective development. If a person wants to find and develop himself in society, he must know his rights. It depends, first of all, on our individual approach. First of all, we must work to ensure our rights. I think that in our society there are no obstacles that prevent people from ensuring their rights. Man has the opportunity to protect his rights in all spheres of activity. The reforms we have just talked about also serve to protect the rights of citizens. Speaking of citizen satisfaction, it is also meant to ensure his rights. The interests of the citizen are directly related to his rights. When public administration is efficient and high quality, citizen satisfaction is high. A citizen whose interests are protected, of course, considers himself a full member of society.

However, it should be noted that rights are not regulated only in the framework of civil-state relations. The rights of young people and teenagers should be treated sensitively in family relations as well. Today, parent-child relationships in Azerbaijani families are regulated on the basis of mental values. Therefore, I think that work in this direction should be done with parents. Parents should think about their children's rights. He must take into account the rights of his child in his actions and approaches. If a parent is unjust or violent towards his child, it is blood kinship and mental values that do not deprive the child of the opportunity to appeal to any instance related to the parent. This issue should not be approached from a purely legal point of view. Here it is necessary to proceed from mental values, forming the basis of legal aspect. It is also necessary to think about the realistic mechanisms of regulation of relations within the family.

-It is said that the number of lawyers in Azerbaijan today is small compared to the population and therefore there are problems in providing legal assistance. What do you think about it?

-It is necessary to implement personnel in accordance with the labor market, whether in the field of law or in other fields. If a person wants to master evry profession, he should be interested in whether he will be needed in this field tomorrow. It is necessary to pay attention to certain forecasting points. In my opinion, quality should be more important than quantity. The training of professional lawyers should be in the center of attention. Today, there are significant qualitative changes related to the development of advocacy. As a result of recent reforms in the field of advocacy in Azerbaijan, a significant increase in the number of lawyers is bearing fruit. In order to constantly improve the quality of legal services, necessary measures are being taken to improve the professional training and qualifications of lawyers. The Board conducts trainings and seminars on a regular basis to improve the skills of lawyers. The Bar Association is working hard to increase the number of lawyers in our country. The number of law firms in our country has also increased significantly to provide quality legal assistance to citizens. Necessary support is provided by the Board to improve the conditions of the offices and strengthen the material and technical base. High conditions are created here for the implementation of advocacy activities. I think that with all this work, the institution of advocacy will further develop and contribute to ensuring human rights and freedoms.

-As in all spheres, the judicial system is being reformed. What will these reforms give to the judicial system?

-After the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On deepening reforms in the judicial system", substantial steps have been taken in this field. The decree is a manifestation of the President's emphasis on the independence of the judiciary. The decree provides comprehensive legislative, institutional and practical measures in the judicial system. I can say that the reforms in the judicial system in Azerbaijan have become systemic. The goal here is to ensure serious quality change and transparency. First of all, it is very important to appoint professional and fair judges. Because in many cases we are witnessing criticism of the courts in society. I think that the reforms will contribute to the elimination of certain shortcomings.

Khayala Bunyatova