OSCE-run radio show in Azerbaijan focuses on human rights awareness

BAKU, 20 September 2002 - A new radio project on raising public awareness aims to stimulate discussions between the government and non-governmental sector on problematic issues of human rights in Azerbaijan.

The project comprises a series of radio talk shows where experts, representatives of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government officials will discuss issues such as political prisoners, prison reform, gender, freedom of religion, street children, corruption and others.

Jointly launched by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Office in Baku, the four-week project is implemented by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) together with the local Independent TV and radio company, ANS.

"I believe that this project will help to increase awareness among the general public of their fundamental rights and, at the same time, improve the accountability of the police and promote transparency in the system of administration justice", said Shahida Tulaganova, BBC-Baku Project Coordinator.

The first talk show held on 14 September discussed events in Nardaran, an area which witnessed violent clashes between police and demonstrators last June. The one-hour talk show brought together the Director of the Institute of Peace and Democracy, Leyla Yunus, member of Parliament Aydin Mirzazade and representatives of Nardaran village. They discussed results of investigations carried out separately by the coalition of local NGOs and the Ministry of Interior and the State Prosecution, as well as use of force by police, restriction of the right to medical care for the injured, and the right to self-expression.

A similar project on raising public awareness in human rights was carried out by the OSCE in Georgia from May to August 2002.

The talk shows are broadcast every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. on ANS Ch.M frequencies 102.2 FM. They are also aired over the Internet at ANS website (http://www.ans.az/radio/info.htm).

The dates and the topics of the talk shows are as follows:

20 September: Juvenile Justice

24 September: Women's rights

26 September: Prison Reform

1 October: Political Prisoners

3 October: Street Children

8 October: Freedom of Religion

15 October: Rights of Karabakh War Disabled

17 October: Rights of Internally Displaces Persons

22 October: Fighting Corruption

24 October: Human Rights in Armed Forces