Azerbaijan: Adoption of resolutions essential for rights and democracy

A group of human rights, media and freedom of expression organisations behind the International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan (IPGA), are deeply concerned by the Azerbaijani government’s failure to comply with its international obligations. Now more than ever,  the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)  should make a strong call for Azerbaijan to improve its deteriorating human rights record.

On 23 January, the vote on two crucial resolutions on Azerbaijan will be an opportunity for the Assembly to demand respect for human rights from Azerbaijan.  IMS, in coalition with other human rights organisations calls on the Parliamentary Assembly to address serious human rights violations in the country.

2012 a tough year for rights and freedoms in Azerbaijan

In 2012, a number of Azerbaijani journalists, human rights activists, civil society organisations, political activists and individuals have been victims of harsh measures taken against them. Freedoms of assembly, association, expression and media, which are believed to be basic and fundamental human rights and freedoms, were considerably curtailed and restricted in Azerbaijan in 2012, despite of the fact that in the same year the country hosted two prestigious international events, Eurovision 2012 Song Contest and 7th Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

IMS-supported advocacy and research have been instrumental in helping to bring the issues of freedom of expression on the agenda of EU and US officials during the 7th Internet Governance Forum held in November 2012 in Baku. As such, two groundbreaking reports, the “Searching for Freedom: Online Expression in Azerbaijan” and the “Right to Remain Silent” give full picture of the grim situation with freedom of expression in Azerbaijan.

Amongst the main recommendations to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is a call for them to continue to closely monitor and report on developments in Azerbaijan with a view to ensuring that Azerbaijani authorities investigate all cases of violence or other types of harassment against journalists in an independent, transparent and timely manner. The group of organisations also urge the Azerbaijani authorities to revise the repressive amendments to the Freedom  of Assembly law and allow their citizens to hold peaceful protests in Baku city centre. PACE are asked to intensify efforts to ensure Azerbaijan’s immediate and full implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.

Read the full joint statement by the International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan here.