Asma Jahangir: "I witnessed that relevant officials slightly violate guarantee of religious freedom"

Ms.Jahangir said during a press conference on Saturday, that the purpose of her visit was to assess the situation on freedom of religion or belief in Azerbaijan, analyze in compliance with the Declaration on abolition of intolerance to religion or belief and all kinds of discrimination, which was adopted by the UN Supreme Assembly, and make recommendations to eliminate such cases.

Ms.Jahangir said that she met with government representatives as well as representatives of religious communities within a week and added she will draw up a report on her visit. The report will be submitted to the government of Azerbaijan and then to the UN Commission on Human Rights.

The rapporteur reached to conclusion that the government delegates respect freedoms of religion or belief but it is not observed in all regions of Azerbaijan, APA informs.

"I witnessed that relevant officials slightly violate guarantee of religious freedom and control on religious activity. Restrictions to registration, to religious literature, ways of appointing religious figures restrict the freedoms of religion or belief. Regrettably, the control on religious activity turns into forms of repression. I urge the government of Azerbaijan to take action about such cases. I am concerned about the religious communities' unwillingness to speak to me," Ms.Jahangir said.

The rapporteur expressed confidence that Azerbaijan can play a key role in establishing its model on guarantee of religion and freedoms.
"I can say that, the visit aroused hopes not concerns in me. I shall further continue my cooperation with the government of Azerbaijan," Ms.Jahangir concluded.