On November 1, 2021, Sadagat Gahramanova, Deputy Chair of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Verena Taylor, Head of the Council of Europe's Programs Directorate.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Action Plan of the Council of Europe implemented in Azerbaijan (2018-2021), as well as the draft Action Plan proposed for 2022-2025.

Welcoming the guests, Gahramanova said she was pleased to see them in Azerbaijan. She praised the measures taken in the framework of fruitful cooperation with the Council of Europe, and expressed confidence that this time the meeting will be useful discussions on interesting projects.

Mrs. Verena Taylor, Head of the Council of Europe's Program Directorate, thanked for the organization of the meeting and stressed the importance of joint cooperation. In her speech she noted that the protection of children's rights as an integral part of human rights is one of the main directions of our activities, Taylor said that in this regard, the ratification of the Lanzarote Convention on the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Violence is important. She stressed the participation of the country's experts in the process of drafting the document, noting that technical support will continue to be provided for activities under the convention. The importance of the media in the issue of gender equality and domestic violence, Taylor noted the successful implementation of the project "Gender Equality and Media" in Azerbaijan.

Touching upon the importance of bilateral cooperation, the Deputy Chair of the State Committee stressed the measures taken in our country, especially in the field of domestic violence. She provided detailed information on the action plan signed last year in this area, the monitoring groups on gender-based violence and violence against children operating under local executive authorities, as well as gender commissions established as a pilot project in municipalities. It was stated that the issue of gender equality and prevention of violence should be ensured first of all in the family. Gahramanova also noted the trainings for journalists held this year with the participation of experts from Lithuania and Austria within the Twinning project "Strengthening support for victims of domestic violence in Azerbaijan."

The importance of children's participation in decision-making and public life, the deputy chair stressed that national forums in Azerbaijan play an important role in children's development. The fifth forum will be held in November this year, Gahramanova said that at the end of the event, the proposals put forward by children are collected and submitted to the government. The purpose of the forums is to enable children from all regions of the country to express themselves as important members of society by ensuring their participation in public administration.

The meeting continued with a discussion of proposals for a new draft Action Plan of the Council of Europe for 2022-2025.

The meeting was attended by Farid Adilov, Head of the International Relations and Protocol Services Departmnet of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, and Ambassador Zoltan Hernyes, Head of the Council Europe Baku Office.