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The Azerbaijani government's recent decision to close the offices of major UN organizations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a deeply concerning move that undermines international cooperation, civil society, and fundamental human rights. This action, which has been confirmed by the ICRC and is currently under discussion with local authorities, affects key institutions including the UN Development Program (UNDP), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
Targeting International Organizations Under Dubious Pretexts
The Azerbaijani government has particularly criticized the UNDP, citing its cooperation with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as a primary justification for its expulsion. According to Azerbaijani sources, the UNDP allocated $754,570 in 2023 to support 23 local NGOs, allegedly violating national laws that mandate the registration of NGOs receiving international funding. However, this reasoning is highly problematic. Rather than a mere regulatory concern, this decision appears to be a politically motivated attack on civil society.
The UNDP, a global leader in sustainability and the promotion of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is being targeted primarily due to its engagement with Azerbaijani civil society—one of the last remaining avenues for independent voices in the country. By framing such cooperation as unlawful, the government seeks to suppress any remaining independent organizations, further isolating its citizens from international support and oversight.
Severe Consequences for Civil Society and Human Rights
This decision comes at a time when civil society in Azerbaijan is under unprecedented pressure. More than 360 political prisoners—including journalists, scientists, and political dissidents—are currently detained under dire conditions, with little to no support from independent institutions. Under President Ilham Aliyev’s increasingly repressive regime, critical voices face constant persecution, and international organizations such as the ICRC serve as one of the last remaining mechanisms to ensure basic human rights protections.
The expulsion of these organizations will have far-reaching consequences. The ICRC, for instance, plays a vital role in monitoring the treatment of detainees and ensuring compliance with humanitarian principles. UN agencies such as UNHCR and UNICEF provide critical assistance to refugees, children, and other vulnerable groups. Removing these organizations from Azerbaijan will leave many without essential support, exacerbating existing human rights violations.
Our Call to Action
As the Institute for Human Rights (IHR), we strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s decision to expel these organizations. In an increasingly precarious global socio-political environment, it is imperative to uphold and protect institutions dedicated to peace, human rights, and conflict resolution. The closure of these offices represents a deliberate effort to silence independent actors and curtail international scrutiny, further endangering the already fragile civil society landscape in Azerbaijan.
We call on all UN member states to take a firm stand against Azerbaijan’s actions and publicly condemn this decision. The legitimacy of the UN system relies on the ability of its institutions to operate freely and without political interference. Azerbaijan’s blatant disregard for international norms must not go unchallenged. It is crucial that UN bodies and the global community demand the immediate reversal of this harmful decision and ensure that international organizations can continue their essential work in Azerbaijan.
Sources:
Reuters
Turkiye Today
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