OSCE Office in Baku recalls Azerbaijan's human dimension commitments

BAKU, 4 October 2002 - Following remarks by an Azerbaijani minister expressing concern about the participation of students at opposition rallies, the OSCE Office in Baku today said that it was monitoring very closely Azerbaijan's implementation of its international human rights commitments.

"Azerbaijan, as an OSCE participating State, has undertaken to comply with the tenets of the Helsinki Final Act and other OSCE documents relating to the human dimension, in order to strengthen respect for, and enjoyment of, human rights and fundamental freedoms", said Ambassador Peter Burkhard, Head of the OSCE Office in Baku.

In an interview aired on 2 October on the Space TV Company, Misir Mardanov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Education, had expressed his concern about the participation of students and pupils at opposition rallies.

"Freedom of assembly and of expression is a fundamental human right, a cornerstone of democratic society and a prerequisite for lasting stability in all participating States", Ambassador Burkhard said. "These freedoms are guaranteed by law and their protection and promotion is the first responsibility of government."

Ambassador Burkhard recalled that the CSCE Copenhagen Document, adopted in 1990 and also signed by Azerbaijan, stated that "everyone will have the right of peaceful assembly and demonstration. Any restrictions which may be placed on the exercise of these rights will be prescribed by law and consistent with international standards".