Human Rights Month has been officially declared in Azerbaijan, running from May 18 to June 18. The initiative, announced by the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva, precedes the National Human Rights Day celebrated annually on June 18.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva issued an appeal regarding the start of the campaign. She noted that the primary objective of the month-long initiative is to enhance the effectiveness of measures taken to protect human rights and freedoms, as well as the implementation of international treaties to which Azerbaijan is a party, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and various national action plans and strategies.
"The goals also include strengthening the fight against negative phenomena such as discrimination, early marriage, violence, drug addiction, and corruption, while developing legal thinking and culture within society," Aliyeva stated. She added that the campaign aims to raise public awareness regarding the achievements made in the field of human rights and the tasks that lie ahead.
National Human Rights Day was established in Azerbaijan by a decree of President Ilham Aliyev in 2007, commemorating the approval of the first "State Program on the Protection of Human Rights" in 1998. This annual observance serves as a platform for state institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners to review progress in human rights protection and address ongoing challenges. Throughout the month, various educational seminars, public discussions, and awareness campaigns are expected to take place across the country to promote legal literacy among citizens.
