Norway's Helsinki Committee: rise of domestic violence in Azerbaijan threatens women's lives

Baku/24.05.21/Turan: “In Azerbaijan, women have the right to live without violence, pressure and abuse. Domestic violence in the country is consistently destroying the fight against violence against women," stated the report of the Helsinki Committee of Norway, distributed on May 20. The report says that those who have faced domestic violence need protection and support at all levels for justice and restoration of their foundations of life.

The organization notes that the voids in the legislation of Azerbaijan, inadequate legal protection and legal response to domestic violence de facto mean the defenselessness of women.

"If the government of Azerbaijan does not take measures to change the situation, it will continue to threaten the lives of women," the report says. The authors of the report called on the Azerbaijani government to take urgent measures to fulfill international obligations on domestic violence.

The organization believes that the Azerbaijani government can take a decisive step by signing the Istanbul Convention. It is noted that the document was based on cooperation with the leading activists of Azerbaijan.

The legislation of Azerbaijan specifies the equality of men and women in political and social life. Women are represented in government and parliament. In November 2020, the National Action Plan on Combating Domestic Violence for 2020-2023 was approved. -16d-