Human Rights Campaign "The Art of Democracy" appealed to the head of the Ukrainian rock band "Okean Elzy", Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, the forthcoming concert of the Baku at the end of this week. The appeal reads: “Dear Svyatoslav Vakarchuk:
Okean Elzy should bear in mind the human rights abuses being inflicted on the people of Azerbaijan before they perform in Baku later this week. The most severe crackdown on activists in the Former Soviet Union region is happening in Azerbaijan, where youth groups, academics, political activists and NGOs have become the targets of government repression. To highlight this crackdown, Rasul Jafarov, a 30 year old human rights activist, has been working around the clock to ensure better future for the country and its people.
In 2011, he launched a Sing for Democracy campaign to use 2012 Eurovision song contest—which was hosted in Baku—to showcase the country’s poor human rights record.
Rasul has coordinated two other highly successful advocacy campaigns—one of them on creating joint efforts among artists and democracy activists. In December 2013, he was on Maidan, in solidarity with the Ukraine. Back then, Okean performed in front of the jubilant crowd, dedicating the concert to all those who were detained and injured in the protests. Since then, Rasul has been is a fiercest fan of Okean Elzy.
Today, he is behind bars on bogus charges of illegal entrepreneurship and tax evasion. He is recognized as prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International. The Council of Europe, the European Union and the OSCE have condemned Rasul Jafarov’s arrest.
On the eve of his arrest Rasul was listening to “На Небі”. We urge you to speak up against Rasul’s arrest. The best way to do so is to dedicate the song “На Небі” to him while performing this song at your concert in Azerbaijan.
Rasul believes that the Azerbaijani government should afford all artists, journalists, activists and ordinary citizens the right to express themselves freely without fear of reprisal. We hope that you share this believe.”—1606D--
Culture
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In the bustling streets of Baku, where fashion is as dynamic as the city's skyline, a quiet revolution is taking place. Despite Azerbaijan's strides in waste management, the issue of clothing and textile waste persists, casting a long shadow over environmental progress.
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Despite its rich historical past in Azerbaijan, donation culture faces numerous problems in modern times. Issues such as transparency in reaching the target audience, declining public trust, and the absence of sustainable support mechanisms are major challenges in this field. Additionally, the weak promotion of donation culture prevents its broader acceptance and development within society. Both education and modern solutions are crucial to enhance the social impact of donations.
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On a crisp December weekend, the Passage1901 venue in the heart of Baku came alive with the buzz of creativity, commerce, and community. The “Bizimkilər” (Ours) Festival, a celebration dedicated to supporting local brands, artisans, and small businesses, made its long-awaited return on December 14 and 15. With a fresh two-day program, the festival proved once again to be a vibrant platform for artistic expression, local entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
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In a vibrant tribute to one of Azerbaijan’s most beloved artistic figures, the Scientific-methodical and Advanced Training Center on culture (MEMIM), in collaboration with the Azerbaijan State Art Gallery and the Union of Azerbaijani Artists, concluded the "Tablolarda Nağıllar" (Fairy Tales on Canvases) exhibition-competition on December 13, 2024. The event celebrated the 115th anniversary of People’s Artist Səttar Bəhlulzadə, whose timeless work continues to inspire generations.
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