Council of Europe’s Anti-Racism Commission publishes new report on Azerbaijan

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) today published a new report on Azerbaijan.

ECRI’s Chair, Nils Muiznieks, said that, while there have been improvements, there are still concerns in some areas, such as the situation of unregistered religious groups and of persons seeking international protection.

"To simplify administrative procedures affecting migrant workers, a State Migration Service has been established and a one-stop service point for migrants has been set up. The authorities are also drawing up a Migration Code to consolidate the relevant legislation. Measures have been taken to improve refugees’ access to social rights and the authorities have begun working to remedy problems faced by stateless persons. Significant efforts have been made in recent years to improve the living conditions of displaced persons, as well as their access to other social rights. The authorities have also taken steps towards improving access to health care for persons belonging to vulnerable groups", the report reads.

"At the same time, some restrictive provisions and practices with respect to religious communities have been tightened and religious communities whose applications for re-registration are still pending are exposed to arbitrary treatment".

"Further measures are needed to remedy the difficulties faced by displaced persons in daily life".

"In its report, ECRI has made a number of recommendations to complete the registration of religious communities and clarify the legal situation of communities still awaiting the final outcome in their cases".

ECRI is a human rights body of the Council of Europe, composed of independent experts, which monitors problems of racism, discrimination on grounds of ethnic origin, citizenship, religion and language, as well as xenophobia, anti-semitism and intolerance, prepares reports and issues recommendations to member States.


/APA/