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Geneva, 24 February 2025 – The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) convened today for its 58th session, featuring the Annual High-Level Panel Discussion on Human Rights Mainstreaming. This year’s session holds particular significance as it commemorates the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls worldwide.
During the session, a speech delivered by the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) highlighted the ongoing threats to women's rights in Azerbaijan. The speech underscored the systematic oppression faced by women journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, including harassment, arbitrary detention, and violence. Restrictive laws and judicial persecution have been used to silence those advocating for equality and justice.
Key Concerns Raised:
Repression of Female Journalists
Several female journalists, including Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, Elnara Gasimova, Aynur Elgunesh, Aitaj Ahmadova, Aysel Umudova, Khayala Agayeva, and Shahnaz Beylerqizi, have been imprisoned simply for performing their journalistic duties. Reports indicate ill-treatment in detention and lack of proper medical care.
Gender-Based Violence and Impunity
Widespread gender-based violence persists, often met with impunity, further marginalizing women in political and public life.
Call for Immediate Action
We called for the immediate release of imprisoned female journalists, urging states to implement the commitments of the Beijing Platform for Action, ensure the protection of women's rights, and repeal restrictive laws that hinder fundamental freedoms.
Accountability and Commitment
We urged the United Nations community to hold governments accountable for violations and support independent women-led initiatives to foster an environment where women can freely participate in civil society.
IRFS stands in solidarity with political prisoners in Azerbaijan and reiterates its call for their immediate and unconditional release.
Watch the full intervention:
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