Joint statement: ILGA-Europe, NHC, CRD and RFSL

International human rights organisations ILGA-Europe, the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, Civil Rights Defenders (CRD) and RFSL have issued a statement calling on the government to conduct a fair investigation into attacks on LGBTI+s in Azerbaijan in May and June.

The statement condemned a series of attacks on the LGBTI + community in the country over the past few weeks and the organisations concerned that the reports have not been addressed in an adequate manner by law enforcement officials, and that the lack of response will promote a climate of impunity for homophobic and transphobic violence, leading perpetrators to feel emboldened to attack the LGBTI+ community even more.

“Although the recent incidents have been reported to the police, no investigation has been started.“

With this statement, the international organisations called on “Azerbaijani authorities to swiftly respond to the recent instances of hate crime incidents with unambiguous public condemnation, and prompt, thorough, impartial, and independent investigations to hold those responsible to account.”

The statement said, “Azerbaijan should take immediate action to address LGBTI+-phobic violence and the climate of fear that prevails within the LGBTI+ community, in order to prevent an escalation of violence and hate crimes, lack of trust in institutions within the LGBTI+ community, and to ensure that Azerbaijan fulfills their international human rights obligations.”

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