39/14 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Azerbaijan

GE.18-11470(E)



Human Rights Council Thirty-ninth session

10–28 September 2018

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Azerbaijan

* The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the language of submission only.

United Nations A/HRC/39/14

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirtieth session from 7 to 18 May 2018.

The review of Azerbaijan was held at the 13th meeting, on 15 May 2018. The delegation of

Azerbaijan was headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Khalaf Khalafov. At its

17th meeting, held on 17 May 2018, the Working Group adopted the report on Azerbaijan.

2. On 10 January 2018, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Azerbaijan: Ecuador, Slovenia and United

Arab Emirates.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution

5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents

were issued for the review of Azerbaijan:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/30/AZE/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/30/AZE/2 and Corr.1);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/30/AZE/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Armenia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil,

Germany, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America and Uruguay was transmitted to

Azerbaijan through the troika. These questions are available on the website of the universal

periodic review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. Azerbaijan noted that the universal periodic review was an effective format for

consideration of the third national report of Azerbaijan, enabling the country to provide full

information on the activities carried out and measures taken for the protection of human

rights and fundamental freedoms, the promotion of dialogue and the sharing of experience.

6. Azerbaijan was a party to the main international legal instruments in the field of

human rights and regularly submitted reports to the relevant United Nations treaty bodies

on their implementation. At the Council’s thirty-fifth session, the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights had cited Azerbaijan among the 34 countries that had

fulfilled their reporting obligations in a timely manner. Azerbaijan was also among the 15

countries that had submitted midterm reports on the first two cycles of the universal

periodic review.

7. Azerbaijan had sent a standing invitation to all special procedure mandate holders,

recognizing their important role in facilitating cooperation and dialogue with Member

States.

8. As a result of a referendum held in 2016, amendments had been made to the

Constitution aimed at further strengthening the protection of human rights and fundamental

freedoms, the formation of an effective and flexible mechanism of public administration

and ensuring the effectiveness of economic reforms.

9. In 2017, the Presidential decree on improving the efficiency of the penitentiary

system had been signed. The decree aimed at developing the penitentiary system through

the humanization of penal policy and also ensured the application of complex institutional,

legislative and practical measures for the liberalization of criminal law policy, including the

restriction of arrests and deprivations of liberty and the decriminalization of a number of

crimes.

10. The institutions of pardon and amnesty had also been widely used in Azerbaijan

during the reporting period. In total, the President had issued nine acts of pardon, which had

been applied to 1,378 convicts, and the parliament had approved two Acts of Amnesty,

which had been applied to about 21,000 people.

11. In order to support the development of the legal profession, on 22 February 2018 the

President had signed a decree on additional measures to develop legal practice in the

country. The decree envisaged measures to improve material and technical support for

lawyers’ organizations throughout the country, the admission of new members through

regular bar exams and the development of professional training and qualifications for

lawyers with a view to improving the quality of legal services.

12. The fight against corruption was one of the Government’s priorities. The National

Action Plan for Open Government 2016–2018 had been approved by Presidential decree on

27 April 2016. The Plan sought to improve anti-corruption legislation, raise awareness of

citizens in the fight against corruption, enhance the engagement of civil society

organizations and develop proposals for establishing corruption-related crimes.

13. The State Agency for Services and Social Innovations continued to widen the scope

of its activities in the efficient delivery of public services and social innovations to citizens.

From 2013 to the present, the centres in the Agency’s network had received more than 20

million applications, with a satisfaction rate of 98 to 100 per cent among the population. A

number of States had expressed interest in learning from the experience of the State Agency

and applying that model in their countries.

14. There were currently more than 5,000 media outlets in the country. About 80 per

cent of the Azerbaijani population had unhindered access to the Internet, which had become

the most popular and practical means of information and media communication. The

Presidential State Fund to Support the Development of the Media continued to carry out its

activities effectively.

15. The State worked in partnership with representatives of civil society. More than

3,254 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) had been registered in Azerbaijan, 500 of

which were dedicated to human rights protection. In 2017, the Presidential Council on State

Support for NGOs had financed 484 NGO projects at a cost of over 3 million manats.

16. The International Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, also known as the “Baku

Process”, had been established by the President in 2008 as a platform for coordinating

international efforts to strengthen tolerance and mutual understanding and combat

discrimination, extremism and xenophobia in society. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation was

also making a major contribution to the development of multiculturalism and tolerance in

the country.

17. As a result of the successful implementation of measures envisaged in

socioeconomic development policy documents adopted in the reporting period, including

“Azerbaijan 2020: A Look into the Future” and the strategic road maps for the national

economy and the main sectors of the economy adopted in 2016, a noticeable reduction in

the unemployment rate had been achieved, social protection for the unemployed had been

strengthened, favourable conditions had been created for improving the labour market and

competitiveness had been enhanced.

18. Over the past five years, the gross domestic product (GDP) had increased by 1.1

times, including an increase of 2.2 times in the non-oil sector, and 1.4 times for household

incomes. During the period the non-oil industry had increased 2.2 times, agriculture 1.2

times, trade 1.4 times, tourism 1.7 times, transport 1.2 times and communication 1.5 times.

19. Azerbaijan supported the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Most of the

guidelines and directions of the development concept “Azerbaijan 2020: A Look into the

Future” and the strategic road maps for the national economy and the main sectors of the

economy were identical to those in the 2030 Agenda. The National Coordinating Council

on Sustainable Development had been established in 2016.

20. The Government of Azerbaijan continued to implement a number of comprehensive

measures aimed at improving the socioeconomic situation of refugees and internally

displaced persons and their temporary integration into society, bearing in mind the

necessity of the future realization of their right to a safe and dignified return to their native

lands.

21. Over the past 24 years, about 6.6 billion manats had been allocated for the social

protection of refugees and internally displaced persons. Some 2,000 internally displaced

persons had received preferential loans totalling 44 million manats to fund businesses

through the National Entrepreneurship Support Fund. As a result, the poverty level among

refugees and internally displaced persons had decreased from 75 to 12 per cent.

22. Internally displaced persons were exempted from paying communal and other utility

services and tuition fees were waived for those studying in State higher and secondary

educational institutions.

23. Occupation by Armenia of 20 per cent of the territory of Azerbaijan, including the

Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven adjacent regions, was one of the main obstacles to the

full-fledged realization of human rights in the country. During the armed aggression,

Armenia had committed grave violations of international humanitarian law, including

extrajudicial executions of Azerbaijani civilians, hostages and prisoners of war, subjecting

them to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The material damage

caused to Azerbaijan as a result of the occupation was estimated at $818 billion.

24. Armenia raised four points of order, in which it stated that the information and

specific facts provided by Azerbaijan were incorrect and did not meet the review

requirements. The Working Group was not competent to discuss political or conflict-related

issues. Azerbaijan was trying to use the review procedure to voice its own perception of the

conflict with the aim of undermining the rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to self-

determination, which Azerbaijan falsely presented as an issue of the restoration of its

territorial integrity. The international community, including the United Nations, recognized

that the only internationally mandated format for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh

conflict was the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Armenia therefore rejected any reference to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and

misinterpretations contained in the national report and during the oral presentation by

Azerbaijan. Attempts to present Armenia as an aggressor by referring to United Nations

Security Council resolutions were completely false and constituted a blatant manipulation

of their content.

25. The President of the Human Rights Council ruled that it was appropriate for all

delegations to make comments and observations and to voice their opinion on human rights

issues; the State under review was entitled to express its views. The universal periodic

review process did not, however, aim to discuss or settle disputes among Member States.

Bilateral issues should not interfere in discussions, and such issues should not be raised in

the Working Group.

26. In response to the points of order raised by Armenia, Azerbaijan stated that it was

not engaging in polemical discussion; rather, it emphasized the historical facts, namely the

occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia accompanied by ethnic cleansing of

Azerbaijanis from the occupied territories, which had led to the mass violation of the

human rights of Azerbaijanis and had impeded the full realization of human rights within

the country. There were still some Azerbaijani nationals in Armenia who had been taken

hostage by that country when they were visiting the graves of their ancestors in the

occupied territories. The wounds of genocide committed by Armenia in the Khojaly district

of Azerbaijan, which had resulted in the killing of around 700 Azerbaijanis, including

children, women and elderly people, had not yet healed. Azerbaijan urged Armenia to

comply with Security Council resolutions, which called for the complete liberation of

Azerbaijani territories and the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons to

their native lands. Azerbaijan called on Armenia to abide by international humanitarian law

and to stop ceasefire violations that had caused an increased number of casualties among

the civilian population of Azerbaijan living in settlements adjacent to the line of contact.

The only solution to the conflict would be the withdrawal of Armenian forces from the

occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan hoped that the international community

would exert pressure on Armenia to liberate the occupied territories and to bring to justice

the perpetrators of war crimes against Azerbaijanis.

27. Azerbaijan further stressed that it was in a particular situation, with 20 per cent of its

territories under the occupation of Armenia. Armenia as an aggressor State had to be held

accountable for its aggression against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan was a peace-loving nation

and, unlike Armenia, it did not have any territorial claims against any of its neighbours.

Azerbaijan would never allow the creation of the second Armenian state in the territory of

Azerbaijan.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

28. During the interactive dialogue, 105 delegations made statements.

Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present

report.

29. The Russian Federation noted efforts to support the independence of the media and

to strengthen intercultural dialogue, especially through the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

30. Rwanda encouraged Azerbaijan to enhance measures and policies to address

discrimination on all grounds, including through strengthened implementation of existing

legislation.

31. Saudi Arabia commended efforts to improve anti-corruption legislation and to

strengthen the work of civil society.

32. Serbia welcomed the National Action Plan for Open Government 2016–2018, and

the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking 2014–2018.

33. Singapore welcomed the National Action Plan for Open Government 2016–2018,

and the increasing State spending on education and the active promotion of good

governance.

34. Slovakia expressed concern about reports of the torture and ill-treatment of

journalists and human rights defenders.

35. Slovenia regretted the alleged lack of independence of the Bar Association, and

noted reports of harassment and threats against independent lawyers.

36. Spain expressed concern about limitations on the effective enjoyment of freedom of

religion for “non-traditional” religious organizations.

37. Sri Lanka welcomed measures related to the right to health, and the steps taken to

promote dialogue with civil society.

38. The State of Palestine remained concerned at persisting poverty. It acknowledged

measures to protect human rights defenders and journalists.

39. The Sudan welcomed the National Action Plan for Open Government 2016–2018

and anti-corruption legislation.

40. Sweden wished Azerbaijan success in implementing the review recommendations.

41. Switzerland expressed concern about reports of harassment, intimidation and

prosecution of opposition representatives, journalists and human rights defenders.

42. Tajikistan made recommendations.

43. Thailand welcomed steps to promote gender equality and efforts to improve prison

conditions and the treatment of prisoners.

44. Togo welcomed efforts to strengthen the protection of human rights, particularly

through the 2016 constitutional reform.

45. Tunisia welcomed efforts to enhance the legal framework, modernize the prison

system and combat human trafficking.

46. Turkey welcomed efforts to support internally displaced persons and refugees.

47. Turkmenistan welcomed improvements in the quality of public services through

innovative methods and the establishment of the State Agency for Services and Social

Innovations network.

48. Ukraine noted that the ability of Azerbaijan to implement human rights treaties had

been impeded since some of its territories were not under its control.

49. The United Arab Emirates welcomed reforms introduced by the 2016 constitutional

amendment, particularly measures aimed at bolstering the institutional and legal

framework.

50. The United Kingdom expressed concern about restrictions on freedoms of the press

and of assembly, the independence of the judiciary and the harassment of human rights

defenders.

51. The United States stated that, as a result of restrictions on freedoms of expression,

association and assembly, political and civic spaces were severely constrained.

52. Uruguay welcomed the cooperation of Azerbaijan with treaty bodies and special

procedures, and the process to reform legislation on children’s rights.

53. Uzbekistan praised consistent efforts to protect human rights and to cooperate with

the United Nations human rights mechanisms.

54. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the cooperation of Azerbaijan with

treaty bodies and the reforms to improve the standard of living of its population.

55. Viet Nam recognized the progress achieved through the constitutional amendment,

which aimed at providing more effective protection of human rights.

56. Yemen welcomed the standing invitation of Azerbaijan to all special procedure

mandate holders, and steps to harmonize domestic legislation with international obligations.

57. Zimbabwe highlighted measures aimed at guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of

different categories of the population, such as prisoners, refugees and internally displaced

persons.

58. Afghanistan welcomed the standing invitation to all special procedure mandate

holders.

59. Algeria welcomed measures to promote the values of tolerance and multiculturalism

in society, and to guarantee the independence of the judiciary.

60. Angola welcomed the improvements made in bringing national legislation into line

with international human rights standards.

61. Argentina welcomed the standing invitation to all special procedure mandate

holders.

62. Armenia shared the concerns raised by different human rights mechanisms about the

deteriorating human rights situation since the previous review.

63. Australia welcomed efforts to strengthen legal protection of human rights, including

through laws to combat human trafficking and forced marriage.

64. Austria urged Azerbaijan to continue collaborating with the Special Rapporteur on

the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association to organize a country visit in

the near future.

65. Bahrain welcomed efforts to improve human rights, including a “one-stop” model

for public service delivery.

66. Bangladesh appreciated the implementation of the National Action Plan to Combat

Human Trafficking 2014–2018 and initiatives to promote multiculturalism and the

country’s commitment to ensure gender equality.

67. Belarus welcomed the active cooperation of Azerbaijan with the treaty bodies and

the adoption of laws and regulations to strengthen human rights protection.

68. Belgium welcomed the country’s tradition of religious tolerance.

69. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed advances in drinking water supply and

the increase in public investment in health and education.

70. Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomed the standing invitation to special procedures. It

expressed concern about the underrepresentation of women in political and public life.

71. Brazil expressed concern about the alleged violations of the rights to freedom of

expression, peaceful assembly and association.

72. Brunei Darussalam commended Azerbaijan on the programme for the development

of inclusive education for persons with disabilities, and acknowledged measures to improve

the health-care system.

73. Bulgaria noted consistent policy measures to guarantee equality between women and

men, the rights of the child and the rights of persons with disabilities.

74. Burundi welcomed the National Action Plan for the Improvement of the Protection

of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

75. Cambodia welcomed the achievements of the socioeconomic development plan.

76. Canada encouraged Azerbaijan to strengthen protections for civil society, women

and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, and expressed concern about

the administrative burden on NGOs.

77. Chile welcomed the ratification of treaties by Azerbaijan. It expressed concern about

limitations on the freedom of association, despite recommendations accepted during the

previous review cycle.

78. China welcomed the efforts and achievements of Azerbaijan with regard to

improving the living standards of its people, fighting against corruption, promoting gender

equality, combating human trafficking and protecting the rights of women, children and

persons with disabilities.

79. Côte d’Ivoire urged Azerbaijan to strengthen its legislative framework to ensure the

full enjoyment of human rights, especially for women, children, persons with disabilities

and migrants.

80. Croatia welcomed the approval of the State Programme for the Development of

Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities 2018–2024.

81. Cuba highlighted measures to guarantee the independence of the judiciary and to

improve the functioning of the courts and the judicial infrastructure.

82. Cyprus remained deeply concerned about the challenges and restrictions faced by

journalists, human rights defenders and youth activists.

83. Czechia acknowledged the religious tolerance and cooperative approach towards

international observers during the 2018 presidential elections.

84. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea commended Azerbaijan on its progress

in international cooperation and the promotion of the human rights of its citizens.

85. Djibouti welcomed the ratification of Protocol No. 14 to the Convention for the

Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, amending the control system of

the Convention, and the Additional Protocol to the Criminal Law Convention on

Corruption.

86. Ecuador welcomed the excellent record of Azerbaijan in reporting to treaty bodies,

and its leadership in the promotion of transparent, accountable and efficient public services.

87. Egypt welcomed the cooperation of Azerbaijan with international human rights

mechanisms and its efforts to enhance the independence of the judiciary.

88. Estonia acknowledged the increased cooperation of Azerbaijan with the United

Nations human rights system and encouraged it to take further steps to promote free

expression.

89. France made recommendations.

90. Gabon welcomed efforts to promote gender equality, to combat domestic violence

and to create assistance centres for victims of domestic violence.

91. Georgia welcomed the ratification of international legal instruments and steps to

issue standing invitations to all special procedure mandate holders.

92. Germany welcomed efforts to improve the socioeconomic conditions of internally

displaced persons, and remained concerned about the ongoing repression of civil society.

93. Ghana welcomed efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental

freedoms and encouraged Azerbaijan to continue with its positive initiatives.

94. Greece noted some positive steps taken by Azerbaijan, including the country visits

of special rapporteurs during the period under review.

95. Honduras welcomed actions to reduce poverty and progress in the area of education,

in particular for women and girls.

96. Hungary called upon the Government to continue to combat human trafficking.

97. Iceland welcomed the reform of the education system and took positive note of the

growth in the literacy rate.

98. India appreciated measures to improve health-care facilities, and welcomed efforts

to ensure gender parity in secondary and tertiary education.

99. Indonesia welcomed initiatives to ensure employment, housing and education for all,

and efforts to address domestic violence and protect children’s rights.

100. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed the raising of public awareness and the

launching of training courses on human rights for officials and professionals.

101. Iraq praised efforts to harmonize national laws with international obligations, and

welcomed the standing invitation for special procedure mandate holders.

102. Ireland remained concerned about unduly restrictive legislation governing the

functioning of civil society and reports of the ill-treatment of human rights defenders and

journalists.

103. Italy welcomed the commitment of Azerbaijan to promoting the peaceful

coexistence of persons belonging to different religions or beliefs.

104. Jordan welcomed the efforts of Azerbaijan to achieve the Sustainable Development

Goals and to align its national reporting with the Sustainable Development Goal process.

105. Kazakhstan appreciated measures to combat human trafficking, to strengthen social

policies and to modernize the judicial and penitentiary systems.

106. Kenya called on Azerbaijan to improve the situation of migrants, asylum seekers,

internally displaced persons and minorities by facilitating access to education, labour,

housing and health care, and to improve children’s rights by eradicating child marriage.

107. Kuwait welcomed the commitment of Azerbaijan to the promotion of human rights

and sustainable development.

108. Kyrgyzstan praised achievements in the socioeconomic area and legislative

measures, including changes in the Constitution.

109. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomed efforts to support the Women’s

Association for Rational Development.

110. Lebanon welcomed the efforts of Azerbaijan to comply with its international

obligations, and its cooperation with international human rights mechanisms.

111. Libya positively noted the achievements made, particularly the ratification of a

number of international treaties.

112. Malaysia welcomed the efforts of Azerbaijan to incorporate the provisions of the

human rights conventions to which it was a party into its national legislation and to combat

human trafficking.

113. Maldives welcomed efforts for the socioeconomic development of the country.

114. Mexico acknowledged progress in implementing universal periodic review

recommendations, in particular the constitutional amendments and the Law on Public

Participation.

115. Montenegro called upon Azerbaijan to take additional measures to introduce a

human rights-based model of disability.

116. Morocco welcomed efforts to fight corruption, including the establishment of the

National Action Plan for Open Government 2016–2018.

117. Myanmar welcomed steps to fulfil international human rights obligations. It

expressed concern about reports of the repression of civil society.

118. Namibia commended Azerbaijan on the referendum, which had led to the

strengthening of constitutional protection for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

119. Nepal welcomed the achievement of economic development and the subsequent

promotion of social and economic rights.

120. The Netherlands encouraged Azerbaijan to take additional steps to strengthen human

rights and the rule of law, including ensuring freedom of expression by enhancing the

protection of journalists and human rights defenders.

121. Nigeria welcomed efforts to improve anti-corruption legislation and the National

Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.

122. Norway expressed deep concerns about additional restrictions placed on civil society

since the previous review.

123. Pakistan appreciated efforts to ensure the welfare of refugees and persons that had

been internally displaced as a result of the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict.

124. Panama highlighted the establishment of an intergovernmental group with civil

society participation to draft the third national report.

125. Paraguay welcomed the record of Azerbaijan in ratifying and reporting on

international treaties and the law on domestic violence. It expressed concern about the use

of the terminology “illegal migrants”.

126. Peru recognized advances in the fight against poverty and efforts to modernize the

judicial system and to change the approach of the authorities towards children in conflict

with the law.

127. The Philippines welcomed the Migration Code and the Preschool Education Act. It

also appreciated efforts to institutionalize a centralized national child database.

128. Portugal welcomed efforts to combat human trafficking and the establishment of a

protection mechanism for unaccompanied children seeking asylum.

129. Qatar appreciated legislative measures to enhance the national legal framework and

the cooperation with special procedure mandate holders.

130. The Republic of Korea welcomed initiatives aimed at enhancing access to courts and

the efficiency of the administration of justice.

131. The Republic of Moldova noted the progress made in the reform of the justice

system, the increased public spending on education and to ensure access to health care and

investment in capacity-building, human rights education and training.

132. Romania welcomed the standing invitation to all special procedure mandate holders.

133. Costa Rica highlighted a number of advances, including cooperation with the treaty

bodies and special procedure mandate holders.

134. Azerbaijan reiterated its commitment to democracy, human rights and fundamental

freedoms. It provided details on the electronic court system, which was in the process of

development. The Bar Association had been reformed to ensure the independence and

quality of legal services. Azerbaijan actively cooperated with the Council of Europe and the

United Nations on combating torture, and applied a zero-tolerance policy to torture, which

was criminally liable.

135. Azerbaijan respected its commitments under the European Court of Human Rights.

If the Court found a violation of an individual’s human rights by virtue of a final decision

of the national courts, those decisions were reviewed in accordance with national

legislation. In 2015 the European Court had delivered a judgment against Armenia in a case

involving Azerbaijani internally displaced persons, confirming the fact of the ongoing

occupation of a significant part of the territory of Azerbaijan by Armenia. The judgment

had not been executed yet. Promotion of the rights of national minorities was also among

the main priorities of the Government. Among other measures, there were television and

radio programmes in minority languages, including Armenian.

136. Azerbaijan emphasized that over the past 15 years extreme poverty had been

eliminated and absolute poverty had decreased to 5.4 per cent. GDP had grown by 3.2

times, the gross income of the population by 9.8 times and unemployment had been

reduced to 5 per cent. Regional development programmes concentrated mainly on rural

areas, including the construction and renovation of 8,000 km of roads, 300 bridges and

tunnels, 52 km of gas pipelines for households, 8,000 schools, 300 kindergartens and 451

hospitals. About 700,000 persons in 487 rural settlements had gained access to clean water.

137. Azerbaijan noted that the draft law on disabilities was expected to be adopted by the

parliament in the near future. Azerbaijan used the international classification of diseases in

the identification of disabilities.

138. Azerbaijan stated that all necessary steps had been taken to ensure that persons in

detention could communicate unhindered with human rights defenders. The State

guaranteed the right to peaceful assembly and association and had not interfered in any

lawful demonstrations.

139. Azerbaijan also noted that in 2017, 148 cases of human trafficking had been

identified. The 47 children in detention were constantly monitored and computer-based

learning opportunities were organized for them with a view to assisting their future

reintegration into society.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

140. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below

have been examined by Azerbaijan and enjoy the support of Azerbaijan:

140.1 Maintain the positive dynamics of ratifying international human

rights treaties (Bangladesh);

140.2 Continue to align national human rights legislation with international

human rights standards (Cuba);

140.3 Harmonize national legislation in conformity with the international

treaties that Azerbaijan has acceded to (Egypt);

140.4 Continue to bring national human rights legislation in line with

international human rights standards (Jordan);

140.5 Establish a national mechanism for coordination, implementation,

reporting and follow-up of human rights issues in line with elements identified

in the 2016 OHCHR guide on national mechanisms for reporting and follow-up

(Portugal);

140.6 Strengthen national mechanisms for follow-up on the implementation

of international human rights recommendations received by the State, through

the establishment of a broad inter-institutional mechanism (Paraguay);

140.7 Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national

candidates for United Nations treaty body elections (United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland);

140.8 Extend an invitation to the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human

rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and

sustainable environment (Costa Rica);

140.9 Continue efforts to implement accepted recommendations relating to

combating torture and other forms of cruel treatment (Lebanon);

140.10 Continue cooperating with the Human Rights Council mechanisms

(Sudan);

140.11 Continue its efforts to promote and protect human rights in

collaboration with the Human Rights Council and OHCHR, on the basis of the

needs identified by Azerbaijan (Tajikistan);

140.12 Continue active engagement with United Nations human rights

mechanisms (Viet Nam);

140.13 Fully cooperate with, respond to, and follow the recommendations of

the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Human Rights

Council, the Committee against Torture and all Human Rights Council special

procedure mandate holders (Greece);

140.14 Share with others national best practices for peaceful coexistence

(Islamic Republic of Iran);

140.15 Share best national practices of the peaceful coexistence of different

religions and confessions (Iraq);

140.16 Maintain and further continue its valuable contributions for the

strengthening of inter-civilizational and intercultural dialogue (Kazakhstan);

140.17 Continue measures to strengthen the capacity of national human

rights protection mechanisms (Uzbekistan);

140.18 Increase and extend to all public service sectors training on the

protection of the rights of persons in situations of human mobility (Ecuador);

140.19 Continue to improve national legislation and to strengthen

corresponding institutions, ensuring the rights of women and children

(Belarus);

140.20 Continue taking effective measures to better promote and protect the

rights of women and children in the country (Kazakhstan);

140.21 Create the conditions and secure adequate resources for the

Ombudsman’s Office to develop its full capacity and fulfil its mandate

(Slovakia);

140.22 Reform the Ombudsman institution to maintain a status according to

the Paris Principles relating to the status of national institutions (Germany);

140.23 Continue to strengthen the Office of the Commissioner for Human

Rights, including enhanced resource allocation (Sri Lanka);

140.24 Craft a comprehensive, long-term national action plan that would

encompass all government efforts to promote and protect the human rights of

its people (Philippines);

140.25 Consider adopting a national action plan to promote all women’s

rights (Namibia);

140.26 Continue efforts to develop an education system on human rights

(Uzbekistan);

140.27 Continue efforts in the field of human rights education and training

(Morocco);

140.28 Provide training to law enforcement, the judiciary and other

stakeholders on handling cases of violence against women and ensure that all

cases are promptly and thoroughly investigated (Canada);

140.29 Continue making available professional training programmes for

government employees and legal workers to increase human rights education

(Egypt);

140.30 Continue efforts to achieve gender equality, particularly in the labour

market (Tunisia);

140.31 Comprehensively implement the existing national legislation

prohibiting gender discrimination (India);

140.32 Maintain the positive dynamics of gender equality in the public

service recruitment process (Pakistan);

140.33 Strengthen the national legal framework against all forms of

discrimination based on disability (Algeria);

140.34 Take appropriate steps to counter racial discrimination, including by

introducing a definition of racial discrimination in national legislation

(Namibia);

140.35 Continue promoting capacity-building activities aimed at

harmonizing national institutions in line with the Sustainable Development

Goals, particularly Goal 16 (United Arab Emirates);

140.36 Further the Sustainable Development Goal-centred approach

deployed by the Government in taking measures designed to advance the

promotion and protection of human rights (Viet Nam);

140.37 Enhance the role of women in strengthening democracy and ensuring

sustainable development (Bahrain);

140.38 Continue enhancing the role of women in strengthening democracy

and ensuring sustainable development (Bangladesh);

140.39 Further the Sustainable Development Goal-centred approach

deployed by the Government in taking the measures designed to advance the

promotion and protection of human rights (Bangladesh);

140.40 Further the Sustainable Development Goal-centred approach in

taking measures to advance the realization of the right to education for its

people (Indonesia);

140.41 Maintain economic development dynamics with a view to improving

the well-being of the population (Islamic Republic of Iran);

140.42 Continue efforts to promote human rights through programmes

aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (Kuwait);

140.43 Further the Sustainable Development Goal-centred approach

deployed by the Government in taking the measures designed to advance the

promotion and protection of human rights (Maldives);

140.44 Further the Sustainable Development Goal-centred approach

deployed by the Government in taking the measures designed to advance the

promotion and protection of human rights (Pakistan);

140.45 Continue efforts to improve the quality of education in public schools

while implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela);

140.46 Take further steps to implement the United Nations Guiding

Principles on Business and Human Rights, taking into account the

recommendations from the Working Group on business and human rights

(Thailand);

140.47 Prohibit corporal punishment of children and promote non-violent

alternatives as disciplinary measures (Uruguay);

140.48 Revise current legislation in order to explicitly prohibit corporal

punishment of children in all settings, including at home (Montenegro);

140.49 Ensure the implementation of the Presidential decree on the

improvement of the penitentiary system, in particular the parts on the

renovation of infrastructure, the enhancement of control over conditions of

detention and the prevention of potential cases of corruption (Russian

Federation);

140.50 Improve conditions in prisons and detention centres, and ensure

necessary access to medical care for inmates (Czechia);

140.51 Continue efforts to combat human trafficking and to protect and

support victims, particularly women and children (Tunisia);

140.52 Carry on efforts to enable tangible progress in combating trafficking

in persons (Turkmenistan);

140.53 Pay special attention to women and children in terms of trafficking

(Ukraine);

140.54 Work towards ending all forms of human trafficking, including by

developing a new national action plan for combating trafficking in human

beings (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

140.55 Intensify actions to prevent and fight trafficking for the purpose of

labour exploitation (Angola);

140.56 Continue efforts to combat trafficking in human beings, particularly

the exploitation of children and women, by strengthening the fight against

traffickers (Djibouti);

140.57 Continue with ongoing efforts to combat trafficking of women and

girls for sexual exploitation and forced labour (Ghana);

140.58 Continue efforts to prevent and combat trafficking of persons for the

purpose of labour exploitation (Islamic Republic of Iran);

140.59 Continue efforts to combat human trafficking (Iraq);

140.60 Strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking and to protect and

assist the victims of human trafficking, particularly children (Lebanon);

140.61 Take all necessary steps to eliminate human trafficking and

strengthen measures to provide necessary assistance to victims of trafficking by

facilitating their reintegration into society (Malaysia);

140.62 Continue to intensify efforts to combat and address human

trafficking, including by revising the legal definition of “vulnerable

individuals” under the Law on Trafficking in Persons and increasing the

number of shelters available to victims of trafficking (Namibia);

140.63 Sustain its efforts to combat human trafficking and safeguard the

rights of migrant workers (Nigeria);

140.64 Apply all legislative, administrative and other measures to combat

trafficking in persons (Panama);

140.65 Continue and intensify its efforts on behalf of children and women

generally, to ensure their safety in the domestic environment and to remove any

obstacles to their education, development and access to equal opportunities

(Tajikistan);

140.66 Take further steps to afford all persons deprived of their liberty all

the fundamental legal safeguards from the very outset of their detention

(Hungary);

140.67 Further increase action aimed at ensuring the promotion of freedom

of religion for all confessions throughout the country (Italy);

140.68 Continue its work to develop freedom of speech, support the

independence of the media and boost the professionalism of journalists and

strengthen their social protection (Russian Federation);

140.69 Continue to take measures to grantee freedom of association and to

engage closely with civil society in upholding human rights protection

(Myanmar);

140.70 Respect the rights of lawyers (France);

140.71 Continue taking further steps to strengthen the juridical system

(Tajikistan);

140.72 Expand the application of modern information technologies and

innovations in the justice system (Belarus);

140.73 Ensure the independence, impartiality and transparency of the

judicial system, and improve access to justice (France);

140.74 Increase the use of technological and electronic innovations in the

provision of government services (Qatar);

140.75 Continue efforts to implement the national plan to eradicate

corruption 2016–2018 (Tunisia);

140.76 Continue its ongoing efforts to enhance the transparent and efficient

nature of the State Agency for Services and Social Innovations (Turkey);

140.77 Continue progress in combating corruption through the use of

innovative approaches (United Arab Emirates);

140.78 Intensify efforts to eradicate corruption (Bahrain);

140.79 Continue to enhance transparency in public entities and to strengthen

its legal and policy framework to eradicate corruption in the public sector

(Singapore);

140.80 Continue to share best national practices for the provision of public

services through a single window model, in order for them to be subsequently

replicated (Cuba);

140.81 Maintain the progress achieved in eliminating corruption at the

national level (Iraq);

140.82 Continue to use technological innovation to promote public legal

services (Kuwait);

140.83 Continue with its efforts to combat corruption and other related

economic crimes (Nigeria);

140.84 Further strengthen its ongoing judicial reform process through smart

technology and an awareness programme for law enforcement staff

(Myanmar);

140.85 Ensure that any allegations of torture are investigated effectively,

independently and impartially (Switzerland);

140.86 Continue efforts to fight corruption at the national level (Morocco);

140.87 In line with the Human Rights Committee, take specific measures for

the exercise of political participation in plural and competitive elections (Costa

Rica);

140.88 Continue efforts to promote and protect civil, economic and cultural

rights (Yemen);

140.89 Strengthen ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the economic and

social welfare of its citizens, in particular their health and education (Sri

Lanka);

140.90 Continue measures to improve the equitable enjoyment of

socioeconomic rights by vulnerable and marginalized communities (Nepal);

140.91 Continue to promote sustainable economic and social development,

raise people’s standard of living and lay a solid foundation for the enjoyment of

all human rights by its people (China);

140.92 Continue efforts to implement the national programme for social and

economic development (Libya);

140.93 Continue to strengthen social security measures to provide assistance

for low-income families (China);

140.94 Continue its efforts to combat poverty, especially among the most

disadvantaged and marginalized members of the population, and reduce

disparities between the capital and rural areas (State of Palestine);

140.95 Continue to strengthen its successful social programmes in the fight

against poverty and social exclusion (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

140.96 Continue efforts aimed at strengthening social policy and poverty

eradication (Saudi Arabia);

140.97 Continue strengthening poverty reduction policies for rural areas,

including through measures to strengthen small sustainable agriculture

(Plurinational State of Bolivia);

140.98 Adopt a national policy on employment for young people, in

particular for young people in rural areas (Honduras);

140.99 Reinforce the implementation of the action programme on the

protection of mother and child health to ensure a reduction of the high

prevalence of maternal and infant deaths (Angola);

140.100 Continue its efforts to further improve access to, and the quality of,

health-care services (Brunei Darussalam);

140.101 Continue its efforts to improve health-care facilities in rural areas in

collaboration with relevant United Nations agencies (Democratic People’s

Republic of Korea);

140.102 Increase easy access to health-care services, ensure an adequate

budget for health expenditures, improve the health-care infrastructure and

promote the skills of health service providers (India);

140.103 Continue to implement the programme of action on the protection of

women’s and children’s health and ensure that all programmes related to

maternal and child health are extended to rural areas (Kyrgyzstan);

140.104 Promptly adopt the bill on reproductive health and family planning

(Uruguay);

140.105 Ensure women’s decision-making powers concerning their health

status and the use of abortion for family planning (Iceland);

140.106 Ensure that school-age children, including foreigners, have the right

to education (Algeria);

140.107 Continue to invest in State spending on public education, in

particular in rural areas, to promote equal access to education (Singapore);

140.108 Continue efforts aimed at the protection and promotion of women’s

rights through relevant strategies, action plans and campaigns (Georgia);

140.109 Continue enhancing the role of women in strengthening democracy

and ensuring sustainable development (Turkmenistan);

140.110 Continue assistance for and promotion of women’s empowerment

both in the public and private sectors (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);

140.111 Continue to take systematic and coherent measures to raise

awareness of and combat discrimination against women (Romania);

140.112 Enhance efforts to address patriarchal attitudes and gender

stereotypes through strengthened implementation of relevant laws and policies

(Rwanda);

140.113 Increase efforts to eliminate violent and discriminatory practices

against women, specially addressing the issue of selective abortions based on

the sex of the fetus (Uruguay);

140.114 Strengthen existing measures to raise awareness of and combat

discrimination against women (Zimbabwe);

140.115 Continue to take systematic and coherent measures to raise

awareness of and combat discrimination against women (Lao People’s

Democratic Republic);

140.116 Continue efforts to enhance gender parity and promote non-

discrimination against women in all spheres (Sri Lanka);

140.117 Continue taking measures to combat violence against women,

including by conducting awareness-raising campaigns on the negative impact of

gender-based stereotypes with a view to eliminating them (Republic of

Moldova);

140.118 Continue and intensify efforts to promote gender equality and reduce

violence against women through systematic and coherent measures (Malaysia);

140.119 Take additional measures to promote and protect women’s rights,

combat domestic violence and promote gender equality, including legal reforms

on gender violence and the development of a national action plan (Brazil);

140.120 Increase its efforts to promote and protect the rights of women, fight

against domestic violence and promote gender equality (Togo);

140.121 Strengthen measures to combat domestic violence and violence

against women, including through the implementation of legislation to ensure

justice for victims (Rwanda);

140.122 Continue efforts to ensure women’s rights by completing the

adoption and implementation of gender equality measures and the fight against

domestic violence (Gabon);

140.123 Intensify efforts to promote and protect women’s rights, with a

specific focus on the fight against domestic violence (Italy);

140.124 Continue efforts to promote and protect the rights of women, to

combat domestic violence and to achieve gender equality (Kyrgyzstan);

140.125 Involve women more actively in the decision-making process and

ensure their full and equal participation in political and public life (Ukraine);

140.126 Strengthen mechanisms to promote the full and effective

participation of women in different spheres, thus guaranteeing their effective

incorporation into public life (Bosnia and Herzegovina);

140.127 Step up efforts to strengthen the role of women in the political and

socioeconomic development of the country (Bulgaria);

140.128 Continue with the work that has allowed greater political

participation of women in decision-making positions in recent years (Ecuador);

140.129 Strengthen the full participation of women, on an equal footing with

men, in political and public life (Peru);

140.130 Promote more integrated youth and adolescent services, involving

multiple agencies, to improve the availability of and access to complementary

services, with a particular focus on access to such services for girls and young

women (Republic of Moldova);

140.131 Implement the action programme on the protection of mother and

child health, and ensure that all maternal and child health programmes cover

rural areas (Togo);

140.132 Accelerate its legislative reform process aimed at protecting the

rights of the child (Zimbabwe);

140.133 Include in the Criminal Code provisions expressly prohibiting child

pornography (Côte d’Ivoire);

140.134 Ensure the adoption and effective implementation of the draft law on

the rights of persons with disabilities (Russian Federation);

140.135 Consider adopting laws on the rights of persons with disabilities in

line with the general principles of the policies of the Government (Sudan);

140.136 Expedite the formulation of the law on the rights of persons with

disabilities, based on the recommendations from the Committee on the Rights

of Persons with Disabilities and with civil society participation (Thailand);

140.137 Invest additional efforts to comprehensively improve the situation of

persons with disabilities and their social inclusion (Serbia);

140.138 Ensure that the State Programme for the Development of Inclusive

Education for Persons with Disabilities is successfully implemented and share

experience and best practices with other Member States (Brunei Darussalam);

140.139 Continue to implement policies to support the inclusion of all persons

with disabilities in society and their active participation in community life, and

allocate adequate financial resources for this purpose (Djibouti);

140.140 Complete the elaboration and adoption of all legislative and

institutional measures for persons with disabilities (Gabon);

140.141 Continue its institutional reforms for strengthening the protection of

human rights, including by intensifying measures to adopt the bill on the rights

of persons with disabilities (Indonesia);

140.142 Continue to promote and protect the rights of persons with

disabilities (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);

140.143 Explicitly include in its legislation the prohibition of discrimination

on the grounds of disability (Panama);

140.144 Continue implementing programmes and projects aimed at ensuring

access to inclusive education for all children with disabilities (Bulgaria);

140.145 Disseminate successful national experience to promote intercultural

and interreligious dialogue (Belarus);

140.146 Continue to strengthen intercultural dialogues (Islamic Republic of

Iran);

140.147 Continue its constructive engagement in ensuring the rights of

Azerbaijani internally displaced persons forcefully expelled from the Nagorno-

Karabakh region of Azerbaijan to return to their native lands (Turkey);

140.148 Maintain the positive experience of allocating adequate funds for

welfare programmes for internally displaced persons (Bangladesh);

140.149 Maintain the positive experience of allocating adequate funds for the

welfare programme for internally displaced persons (Jordan);

140.150 Raise awareness of the efforts taken to ensure the rights of internally

displaced persons to return to their native lands in safety and dignity

(Maldives);

140.151 Continue to make every effort to ensure the rights of internally

displaced persons to return to their native lands in safety and dignity

(Pakistan);

140.152 Continue efforts to guarantee equality of access to education with the

continuation of the provision of academic scholarships for internally displaced

persons (Qatar).

141. The following recommendations will be examined by Azerbaijan, which will

provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-ninth session of the Human

Rights Council:

141.1 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal) (Spain);

141.2 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

Child on a communications procedure and ensure its full implementation

(Slovakia);

141.3 Intensify internal coordination related to accession to the Optional

Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications

procedure (Georgia);

141.4 Consider the possibility of ratifying the International Convention for

the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Bosnia and

Herzegovina);

141.5 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (Burundi) (Portugal);

141.6 Take into consideration the ratification of the Rome Statute of the

International Criminal Court (Romania); Consider ratifying the Rome Statute

of the International Criminal Court (Uruguay);

141.7 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

(Austria) (Spain);

141.8 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and

align its national legislation (Cyprus);

141.9 Ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Côte d’Ivoire)

(Cyprus) (Spain);

141.10 Ratify the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention (Estonia);

141.11 Ratify the human rights instruments to which it is not a party yet, in

particular the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating

Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Honduras);

141.12 Extend a standing invitation to the Special Rapporteur on the

independence of judges and lawyers to undertake fact-finding country visits

with respect to the situation of the judiciary and legal professions in the

country (Greece);

141.13 Establish independent and transparent mechanisms for disciplinary

proceedings against lawyers in conformity with the Basic Principles on the Role

of Lawyers and Recommendation No. R(2000)21 of the Council of Europe on

the freedom of exercise of the profession of lawyer (Austria);

141.14 Comply with decisions of the European Court of Human Rights

concerning illegal imprisonments on politically motivated charges (Cyprus);

141.15 Respect its obligations as a member of the Organization for Security

and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe, and implement all

decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (France);

141.16 Take the necessary measures to combat acts of violence and

discrimination, such as stigmatization, against persons pertaining to the

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community, and encourage

Azerbaijan to deepen the measures to ensure the investigation and sanctioning

of those acts (Argentina);

141.17 Ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people

are protected against all forms of discrimination and violence in both law and

practice (Canada);

141.18 Adopt a comprehensive legal framework against discrimination

based on sexual orientation and gender identity (Chile);

141.19 Thoroughly review its applicable legislation, in line with its

international obligations and commitments, in order to eliminate and combat

discrimination based on any ground, including sexual orientation and gender

identity (Honduras);

141.20 Ensure that the existing anti-discrimination legal framework

explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender

identity (Iceland);

141.21 Take steps to intensify the fight against all forms of discrimination, in

full compliance with international obligations (Italy);

141.22 Incorporate the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of

sexual orientation and gender identity in the current legal framework (Mexico);

141.23 Implement a comprehensive awareness-raising campaign on the

elimination of existing sex-based stereotypes (Montenegro);

141.24 Ensure that article 283 of the Criminal Code on incitement to racial

hatred is not misused to persecute or intimidate individuals for their political

beliefs (Republic of Korea);

141.25 Continue measures to ensure that ethnic minorities, including the

Lezghui and Talysh populations, enjoy all their rights (Peru);

141.26 Adopt a draft law on the protection of children from all forms of

corporal punishment (Kyrgyzstan);

141.27 Safeguard children’s rights by enacting the draft Law on the

Protection of Children against All Forms of Corporal Punishment (Namibia);

141.28 Investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment of journalists,

human rights defenders and activists, and bring perpetrators to justice

(Slovakia);

141.29 Take measures to eradicate torture, ill-treatment and arbitrary

arrests in line with the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. In

addition, strengthen public policies and education to combat discrimination

and violations of the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender

community (Costa Rica);

141.30 Protect persons from arbitrary detentions and ill-treatment that they

face for any personal consideration, including their sexual orientation and

gender identity, ensuring their full social integration on the same footing

(Spain);

141.31 Immediately and unconditionally release all prisoners arrested on

political grounds, including Mr. Ilgar Mammadov, and adopt safeguards

against arbitrary or politically motivated detention (Norway);

141.32 Release all activists, journalists and bloggers held on politically

motivated charges, and dismiss the criminal charges against those individuals

that have already been released (Australia);

141.33 Ensure that human rights defenders, lawyers and civil society actors

are able to carry out their activities without fear or threat of reprisal,

obstruction or legal or administrative harassment, as previously recommended

(Sweden);

141.34 Stop all politically motivated legal proceedings against independent

civil society actors (Sweden);

141.35 Amend the Code of Administrative Offences, the Law on Grants and

the Law on NGOs to eliminate requirements for re-registration and to simplify

regulations on access to funding (Sweden);

141.36 Ensure the right to freedom of expression, including by revoking its

decision from 2017 to block the websites of several independent and opposition

media (Sweden);

141.37 Guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, both online and

offline, freedom of association and peaceful assembly (Switzerland);

141.38 Immediately and unconditionally release all individuals in custody

for exercising their fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of

expression, association, assembly and religion (United States of America);

141.39 Amend the Law on Advocates and Advocates’ Activities to remove

executive and judicial representatives from the Qualification Commission of

the Bar Association, to prevent the use of punitive measures against lawyers for

their human rights work, and to ensure transparent criteria and procedures for

admission (United States of America);

141.40 Take the necessary measures to guarantee that all persons can

exercise peacefully their right to freedom of expression in conformity with

international standards, in particular regarding human rights defenders

(Argentina);

141.41 Remove libel and defamation as criminal offences and take further

steps to ensure journalists may work freely and without fear of retribution

(Australia);

141.42 Review administrative and legislative provisions and projects,

including on defamation, to fully guarantee the enjoyment of freedom of

expression, assembly and association (Austria);

141.43 Take steps to implement its international obligations on freedom of

expression, including the decriminalization of defamation (Belgium);

141.44 Create the environment for a free and independent media and take

effective measures to ensure that the press and media can work free from

oppression, intimidation or reprisals (Slovakia);

141.45 Take steps to cease restrictions on the right to freedom of opinion and

expression, and ensure that the right to manifest one’s religion in private or in

public is fully protected and realized (Ghana);

141.46 Ensure full respect for freedom of expression in line with its

international commitments, including by ensuring that all journalists may work

freely and without fear of retribution, allowing foreign media broadcasts

without undue restrictions, ensuring unfettered access to the country for

journalists and ending the travel restrictions against independent journalists,

NGO leaders and opposition members (Greece);

141.47 Immediately and unconditionally release all persons arbitrarily

detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, including Ilgar

Mammadov, in order to respect the decision of the European Court of Human

Rights (Slovenia);

141.48 Let the Internet remain an area for free speech, particularly by

unblocking the opposition websites closed in the spring of 2017, and stopping

the persecution of people voicing critical opinions online (Norway);

141.49 Guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly

(Peru);

141.50 Strengthen the legal framework for the protection of human rights

and basic freedoms, including freedom of expression as included in the national

plan (Lebanon);

141.51 Continue ensuring that human rights defenders and journalists are

protected from any act of intimidation or reprisal or any other impediment to

their work (State of Palestine);

141.52 Permit peaceful civic activity by ending cases against NGOs and

independent media, removing undue restrictions to accessing foreign grants

and amending laws regarding the registration, operation, and funding of

NGOs, in accordance with the recommendations of multilateral institutions,

and ending the blocking of independent and opposition websites (United States

of America);

141.53 Repeal the recent legislation that restricts freedoms of expression,

peaceful assembly and association, and ensure a safe environment for

journalists, activists and human rights defenders (Spain);

141.54 Take measures to guarantee the safety of journalists, in conformity

with resolution 33/2 of the Human Rights Council, and ensure prompt,

impartial and thorough investigations (Chile);

141.55 Ensure freedom of expression and media freedom, including by

promptly and thoroughly investigating all allegations of the torture and ill-

treatment of journalists, human rights defenders and youth activists, and

prosecute perpetrators (Estonia);

141.56 Decriminalize defamation, and include it in the Civil Code in

accordance with international standards (Estonia);

141.57 Ensure freedom of expression and the press, in particular by

reviewing the Law on Defamation and ceasing the blocking of opposition sites

(France);

141.58 Bring administrative and legal practices regarding the freedom of

assembly into line with article 49 of the Constitution and article 5 of the Law on

Freedom of Assembly (Germany);

141.59 Guarantee the full exercise of the rights to freedom of assembly,

expression and association, also by improving the environment for NGOs to

freely carry out their activities (Italy);

141.60 End all interference in the work of lawyers through disbarment or

other disciplinary measures on improper grounds such as expressing critical

views (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

141.61 Remove legislative and practical obstacles to the registration, funding

and operation of NGOs (Australia);

141.62 Take all necessary measures to support the development of a vibrant

civil society, in particular by simplifying the rules on the financing of NGOs

(Belgium);

141.63 Revise legislation requiring civil society organizations to register

activities to better protect the effective operation of civil society and the media,

consistent with international law (Canada);

141.64 Remove legislative and practical obstacles to the functioning of civil

society (Croatia);

141.65 Ensure that all civil society organizations and activists can operate

without undue hindrance or fear of persecution (Cyprus);

141.66 Amend laws restricting the activities of civil society, including the

Code of Administrative Offences and the law on grants and amend the law on

NGOs in order to simplify NGO registration and their access to funding

(Czechia);

141.67 Ensure that human rights lawyers are not disbarred for political

reasons and remain entitled to represent clients in courts (Czechia);

141.68 Ensure that all defendants have access to appropriate legal

representation, including by increasing the number of qualified lawyers

(Estonia);

141.69 Revise the Law on NGOs in order to promote the development of

civil society (France);

141.70 Revise restrictive NGO and grant legislation from early 2014 and

bring it into line with international standards (Germany);

141.71 Ensure that all governmental authorities, in cooperation and

consultation with the Bar Association and with lawyers themselves, take steps

to ensure that lawyers are protected from intimidation and harassment or

other improper interference in their work (Slovenia);

141.72 Revise all laws, regulations and practices concerning freedom of

association, to bring them into full compliance with international human rights

standards (Ireland);

141.73 Review and amend legislation related to the registration of NGOs and

their financial means, with a view to guaranteeing the independence of civil

society representatives (Mexico);

141.74 Enhance the protection of journalists, human rights defenders and

NGOs by removing undue restrictions to access foreign grants and amending

NGO legislation, particularly regarding the registration, operation and funding

of NGOs (Netherlands);

141.75 Review its legislation regarding NGOs in order to ensure a safe and

enabling environment for them to operate and have free access to funding

(Norway);

141.76 Refrain from any undue interference in the work of lawyers and

ensure the effective independence of the Bar Association of Azerbaijan

(Germany);

141.77 Revise the selection process for the bar of lawyers, ensuring the use of

objective, transparent and independent criteria, which will promote the legal

protection of all persons (Mexico);

141.78 Investigate all allegations and prosecute perpetrators of torture and

ill-treatment of journalists and political opponents, and strengthen the training

of relevant public authorities and staff on human rights (Republic of Korea);

141.79 Investigate thoroughly allegations of ill-treatment of individuals in

police custody with perpetrators being held to account (Australia);

141.80 Ensure effective, prompt and independent investigations of all cases

of harassment and violence against journalists and human rights defenders and

bring perpetrators to justice (Austria);

141.81 Enhance efforts to investigate all allegations of torture and ill-

treatment, in particular against human rights defenders, journalists and

members of religious groups, and hold perpetrators accountable (Brazil);

141.82 Investigate promptly and impartially all allegations of arbitrary

arrest and detention of civil society actors and develop transparent processes to

ensure ready access to legal representation (Canada);

141.83 Thoroughly investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment

against detainees and sanction the perpetrators of such acts (Chile);

141.84 Investigate allegations of arbitrary arrests of human rights defenders

and journalists, and ensure that freedom of opinion and expression is not

unduly restricted on grounds of extremism, defamation or “humiliation of

honour” (Czechia);

141.85 Thoroughly investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment of

detainees and hold perpetrators accountable (Greece);

141.86 Ensure prompt, effective, independent and impartial investigations

into all allegations of arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment of human

rights defenders, civil society activists and journalists (Ireland);

141.87 Make the necessary adjustments to ensure access of women to

employment by eliminating wage inequalities between men and women, and

promote collective bargaining between trade unions and employers by acting as

mediators during dialogues and agreements concluded between the parties

(Panama);

141.88 Establish a robust legal framework to eliminate all forms of

discrimination and violence against women (Nepal);

141.89 Adopt without delay a national strategy for the prevention of gender-

based violence, including domestic violence, and allocate the necessary

resources for these policies to ensure their effectiveness (Belgium);

141.90 Carry out policies aimed at ensuring the application of the Law on

the Prevention of Domestic Violence (Paraguay);

141.91 Redouble its efforts to ensure access to inclusive and quality

education for girls and women in rural areas (Honduras);

141.92 Take measures to ensure that the secondary school attendance rate

among girls in rural areas is raised to the commendably high level of

attendance of girls in urban areas (Hungary);

141.93 Continue and strengthen ongoing efforts to eliminate child marriage

and ensure that girls complete secondary education before getting married

(Togo);

141.94 Continue efforts to eliminate child marriage and to ensure that girls

go through secondary education before marriage (Kyrgyzstan);

141.95 Pursue efforts to preserve cultural and linguistic diversity including

through the education system (Russian Federation);

141.96 Facilitate the procedure of compulsory registration for minority

communities and do not unnecessarily obstruct their religious freedom (Spain);

141.97 Use the terminology “migrants in an irregular situation” for those

who enter into the country and have not yet completed the entry formalities

(Paraguay);

141.98 Implement a non-discriminatory asylum policy (Switzerland);

141.99 Grant all asylum seekers access to the asylum system, by ensuring

that the definition of refugees is compatible with article 1 of the 1951

Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (Netherlands);

141.100 Take the necessary measures to ensure the access of all children, in

particular internally displaced children, to the education system (Afghanistan);

141.101 Guarantee all the rights of freed activists (France).

142. In the view of Azerbaijan, the recommendations listed below are not relevant

since they are not factually correct, are a unilateral interpretation of the respective

matters and do not comply with the bases of the review stipulated in Human Rights

Council resolutions 5/1 and 16/21, and therefore will not be considered by Azerbaijan:

142.1 Stop the use of corruptive means to foster Azerbaijan’s conflict

perception in different international organizations (Armenia);

142.2 Collaborate fully with the European Court of Human Rights

regarding the application on the case of Hayk Makuchyan and Samvel Minasyan

v. Azerbaijan and Hungary (Armenia);

142.3 Condemn the repeated and unpunished use of inflammatory

warmongering language by high-level politicians speaking about Armenia and

the Armenians and its adverse impact on public views (Armenia);

142.4 Ensure that foreigners with Armenian surnames are not denied

access to the country on arbitrary and discriminatory bases (Armenia);

142.5 Preserve and protect the cultural and archaeological heritage in its

jurisdiction, without altering their cultural and ethnic identity, including the

medieval Armenian cemetery in Julfa (Armenia);

142.6 Stop falsifying statistics on internally displaced persons and refugees

by applying a misleading methodology of accounting (Armenia).

143. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not

be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Azerbaijan was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Khalaf Khalafov and composed of the following members:

• Amb. Vaqif Sadiqov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the

United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva;

• Mr. Toghrul Musayev, Deputy Minister of Justice;

• Mr. Ismat Aliyev, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs;

• Mrs. Sevinj Hasanova, Deputy Minister of Economy;

• Mr. Natiq Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of

Population;

• Mrs. Sadagat Gahramanova, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Family,

Women and Children Affairs;

• Mr. Chingiz Asgarov, Chief of Section, Presidential Administration;

• Mr. Vahid Gahramanov, Deputy Head of Directorate, State Migration Service;

• Mr. Faig Gurbanov, Head of Human Rights and Public Relations Department,

Ministry of Justice;

• Mr. Ismayil Asadov, Chief of Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

• Mr. Rafi Gurbanov, Deputy Chief of Division, State Committee on Religious

Associations;

• Mr. Rashad Hasanov, First Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

• Mr. Emil Hasanov, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan

to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva;

• Mr. Seymur Mardaliyev, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of the Republic of

Azerbaijan to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva;

• Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of the Republic of

Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in

Geneva;

• Mr. Emin Aslanov, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of the Republic of

Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in

Geneva.