OSCE Office in Baku alarmed over dismissals

BAKU, 6 November 2003 - The OSCE Office in Baku today expressed its alarm at the growing number of complaints and reports on dismissals of Azerbaijani citizens from their jobs allegedly on the basis of their political convictions and membership in opposition parties.

"We are concerned about the number of complaints and reports regarding such dismissals, especially of persons working in state budgetary organizations and enterprises. These cases raise questions as to whether the principles of the rule of law have been observed," said Ambassador Peter Burkhard, the Head of the OSCE Office in Baku. He also recalled that his Office was mandated to promote Azerbaijan's implementation of its international commitments.

"Discrimination in all forms is unacceptable in an open society striving for democracy," Ambassador Burkhard said. "We urge the authorities to investigate all complaints in a fair and transparent manner and to ensure the full observation and enforcement of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, specifically prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, nationality, religion, language, financial position, occupation, political convictions, membership in political parties, trade unions and other public organizations."

Ambassador Burkhard also noted that the OSCE placed great importance on the right to equality and prohibition of discrimination in the OSCE region. Respect of these values is an obligation to which the Republic of Azerbaijan is committed within the OSCE process under paragraphs 13.7 and 13.8 of the Vienna Document 1989 ("Questions relating to Security in Europe").