[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]According to the Annual Activity Report of 2023, Commissioner for Human Rights considers the arrest and detention of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev a clear illustration of the intolerance of the government of Azerbaijan towards independent civic activism.
Among the Commissioner`s activities throughout 2023, there was also a condemnation of the violations of human rights and suppression of civil liberties during the policing of environmental protests in the Soyudlu village.
“On 24 July, the Commissioner published a letter addressed to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan, Vilayat Eyvazov, concerning the policing of environmental protests in the Soyudlu village and restrictions imposed on the work of civil society in that context. In particular, she expressed concern about the arrests and the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters. The Commissioner stressed the importance of ensuring law enforcement accountability for human rights violations and requested clarifications regarding the legal basis and justification for dispersing these protests. She also expressed concern that the restrictions imposed to enter and leave the village had affected the ability of journalists and human rights defenders to report publicly about the situation of residents and to provide assistance. Lastly, she emphasised that environmental organisations and concerned persons should be given effective opportunities to participate in decision-making on laws and policies that may have an environmental impact”.
Full report is available via https://rm.coe.int/annual-activity-report-2023-by-dunja-mijatovic-commissioner-for-human-/1680ae3a07 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Commissioner for Human Rights` Annual Activity Report 2023 reflects human rights violations in Azerbaijan
