No:653/23, Press release on the review of Azerbaijan’s 4th national report within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council
15 November 2023 09:00
On 14 November 2023, the 4th periodic report of the Republic of Azerbaijan was reviewed within the framework of the 44th session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC).
Our country was represented at the event by a delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Samir Sharifov.
It should be noted that during the UPR review, held once every five years, the state of implementation by a UN member state of international obligations in the field of human rights protection is assessed, and other states provide recommendations in relevant areas to the state whose report is being heard.
Speaking within the framework of the periodic report, the Deputy Minister presented detailed information on the work carried out in our country, cooperation within the framework of international human rights mechanisms, the “Great Return” State Program, the problem of refugees and internally displaced persons caused by Armenia’s aggression, facts of violation of the rights of Azerbaijanis, the issue of missing persons, and other matters.
Within the framework of the UPR review on Azerbaijan, representatives of nearly 120 UN member states took the floor and presented their recommendations regarding the human rights situation in our country.
The vast majority of member states highly appreciated the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan in the field of human rights and recommended continuing the positive dynamics in this area.
A large number of speakers commended the protection of civil, economic and cultural rights in our country, the provision of sustainable economic and social development, further improvement of the living standards of the population, as well as the use of information technologies in the provision of public services.
The important role of Azerbaijan’s model of multiculturalism in promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue was emphasized.
Azerbaijan’s active chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement was welcomed.
The voluntary, safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons to our liberated territories, the large-scale reconstruction and restoration works carried out in these territories, and the reconstruction of destroyed settlements in accordance with the concepts of “smart city” and “smart village” were highly appreciated.
The speeches also drew attention to the work carried out by Azerbaijan towards demining in our liberated territories and eliminating damage caused to the environment.
The steps taken in our country in the fields of science and education, as well as towards ensuring the rights of women and children, were welcomed.
Azerbaijan’s national report, as well as other relevant documents, are available on this webpage.
In general, along with Azerbaijan, the reports of 14 countries are scheduled to be reviewed this year on 6-17 November.