Dear all,
We have the pleasure to invite you to the side event “Constitutional Referendum in Azerbaijan – a Step Backwards to the Past” on Wednesday 12 October from 1pm to 2pm at Palais de l’Europe Room 5 organised by Azerbaijan’s civil society organisations: the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety, Azerbaijan Human Rights Club, and Institute for Peace and Democracy.
Background:
On 26 September Azerbaijan held its third constitutional referendum since the country regained its independence. In the run-up to the referendum, the government intensified its crackdown on civil society and political opposition by unleashing a new wave of arrests and repressions. Now that all the proposed amendments, which were strongly criticised by the Venice Commission, have been approved in the popular vote even further consolidating the power of the ruling Aliyev family, it is uncertain what the future holds for Azerbaijan.
During the side event, representatives of Azerbaijani civil society will discuss the potential repercussions of the recent referendum on the future of human rights, challenges and possibilities that lay ahead in post-referendum Azerbaijan.
Sponsors:
Tiny KOX, Netherlands
Nadiya SAVCHENKO, Ukraine
Nikolaj VILLUMSEN, Denmark
Speakers:
Gulnara AKHUNDOVA, International Media Support
Leyla ALIYEVA, Centre for National and International Studies
Erkin GADIRLI, Board Member of REAL Movement
Emin HUSEYNOV, Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety