The German Foreign Minister discussed in Baku the human rights situation with civil society

Baku/04.11.23/Turan: German Foreign Minister Annalena Bärbock, during her visit to Azerbaijan on November 4, engaged in a significant discussion with representatives of the country's civil society. The meeting covered a wide range of critical issues, including the state of human rights in Azerbaijan, crackdowns on activists, politically motivated prosecutions, the status of media freedom, government pressures on civil society, and human rights organizations.

The gathering provided a platform for candid and constructive dialogue on pressing concerns within Azerbaijan's civil society. Human rights activist Rufat Safarov, who participated in the meeting, emphasized that discussions also delved into cases of activists who were deported from Germany and subsequently detained in Azerbaijan on what are perceived as baseless charges.

One prominent issue addressed during the meeting was the failure of Armenia to provide maps of minefields following the conclusion of the Second Karabakh War. This omission has had devastating consequences, resulting in numerous casualties as individuals inadvertently entered dangerous areas littered with unexploded ordnance.

The meeting also featured the participation of legal experts Zibeyda Sadigova and Elchin Sadigov, as well as Ralf Horlemann, the German Ambassador to Azerbaijan. Representatives from German media outlets were also present, underscoring the significance of the discussions held.

The visit of the German Foreign Minister to Azerbaijan underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement in addressing human rights concerns and regional issues. It highlights the commitment of both countries to fostering dialogue and cooperation on matters of mutual interest and concern.

The meeting serves as a reminder of the critical role that diplomacy plays in addressing complex and sensitive issues, including human rights, regional conflicts, and the protection of civil liberties. It remains to be seen how these discussions will influence future relations between Germany and Azerbaijan, as well as their joint efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.--0--