OMM Redaksiyası
The National NGO Forum of Azerbaijan has issued a statement on discussions over dress rules for students and teachers in schools.
“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports that the statement alleges information campaigns against Azerbaijan’s secular state model are being conducted on internet platforms in Iran and other foreign countries.
The forum condemned attempts to politicize discussions about school dress rules and turn the issue into a religious confrontation.
It said secularism is a historic achievement of Azerbaijan and an important part of its statehood tradition. The statement also emphasized that religious and spiritual values are respected in the country and that people of different faiths live together in peace and mutual respect.
The statement said compliance with dress rules established for educational institutions is required by law:
“The application of these rules is neither directed against religious values nor intended to regulate citizens’ private lives outside school.”
The forum recalled the requirements for student uniforms set out in a relevant Cabinet of Ministers decision. It said violations of the uniform requirements and the use of clothing elements that do not comply with the secular principle of general education are not permitted.
It also said requirements for teachers’ clothing serve to protect their professional appearance and the secular character of the educational environment.
The National NGO Forum of Azerbaijan said it supports the application of dress rules in educational institutions in accordance with the law, transparently and equally for all.
The statement emphasized that schools should be places where science, education, national and spiritual values, and independent thought develop—not venues for religious propaganda or ideological influence.
The forum called on civil society representatives, intellectuals, teachers, parents and media organizations to take a principled stance against information campaigns aimed at exploiting religious sensitivities.
It said the key criteria on this issue should be the Constitution of Azerbaijan, legislation, national interests and the principles of a secular state.
