UN calls on Azerbaijan to respect human rights

The United Nations' Human Rights Committee (HRC) has addressed its appeal to the authorities of Azerbaijan to eliminate violations of the freedom of speech, the right of assembly and association, and religious freedom, as well as pointed to cases of discrimination of various population groups and political persecution of activists.

On November 4, the HRC released its final report on the situation with civil and political rights in Azerbaijan, prepared as part of the periodic review of the status in the UN member states.

The report has been drawn up with the participation of 18 international independent experts, who are monitoring the enforcement of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

The HRC's special concern was caused by the changes made to the Azerbaijani Constitution through the recent referendum.

The changes were adopted "without any prior parliamentary and public debate," says the report, noting that the adopted amendment may restrict citizens' rights.

The HRC has urged Azerbaijan to eliminate all violations and incorporate the respective information into the country's periodic report to be submitted by November 4, 2020.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.