BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 23. Azerbaijan has
voiced its protest against a report by the UN Special Rapporteur on
freedom of religion or belief during a session of the Third
Committee of the UN General Assembly.
Shahriyar Hajiyev, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of
Azerbaijan to the UN, delivered a statement to this effect during
an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur.
He emphasized that the effective safeguarding of freedom of
religion or belief is a fundamental prerequisite for stable
societies characterized by mutual understanding, tolerance, and
respect.
Mr. Hajiyev pointed out that the report (A/81/376), presented by
the Special Rapporteur, contains unsubstantiated claims. He argued
that, instead, the report should have addressed the damage
inflicted upon religious heritage—including monuments of Islamic
culture that hold universal human value—during the 30-year
occupation of Azerbaijani territories.
It was noted that, throughout the occupation, at least 65
mosques were completely destroyed, while cemeteries were subjected
to widespread desecration and looting.
The diplomat highlighted that the Special Rapporteur’s silence
regarding these documented violations, coupled with the inclusion
of unverified information in the report, raises serious questions
concerning the impartiality and objectivity of her work.
He further noted that, as of 2025, there are 994 registered
religious communities in Azerbaijan; of these, 956 are Islamic,
while the remainder consist of Christian, Jewish, Baha’i, and
Krishnaite communities. Currently, there are 2,387 mosques, 16
churches, 23 prayer houses, 7 synagogues, one Baha’i place of
worship, and one Krishnaite place of worship operating in the
country.
“In accordance with the ‘Code of Conduct for Special Procedures
Mandate-holders,’ adopted by UN Human Rights Council resolution 5/2
on June 18, 2007, mandate-holders must perform their functions
objectively and impartially, free from any external interference,”
stated Shahriyar Hajiyev.
