The United Nations rights office voices concern over "a shrinking democratic space" in Azerbaijan as human rights defenders, journalists and Government critics are increasingly being deprived of their liberty.

"These cases are indicative of a shrinking democratic space in Azerbaijan, where many civil society actors, journalists and lawyers fear reprisals or legal and administrative obstruction in carrying out their important work," Rupert Colville, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said.

He added that the closure of some media outlets and the denial of entry to certain journalists and international human rights organizations, especially ahead of the European Games in the capital, Baku, is "one symptom of a wider problem."

"There is an urgent need to relax the legislative and administrative requirements concerning civil society organisations," stressed Mr. Colville, adding that local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should be allowed to monitor domestic trials on human rights as well as to cooperate with human rights mechanisms without fear of reprisals.

Adapted from the UN website

Photo: UN