Council of Europe Warns South Caucasus on Human Rights, Minority Protection
The Council of Europe has expressed concern over the lack of progress in South Caucasus countries regarding human rights and minority protections. Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia have not fully implemented recommendations made by international organisations.
Georgia has yet to form an inter-agency committee involving the Public Defender's Office, international organisations, and civil society, as suggested by the Council of Europe. This committee was intended to address human rights issues more effectively.
Azerbaijan has not made strides in establishing a transparent appointment process for its human rights commissioner. The OSCE has also criticised Azerbaijan for not fully implementing recommendations to protect minority rights, freedom of expression, and judicial independence. Furthermore, Azerbaijan has not created a data-collection system for racist and queerphobic hate speech and hate crime cases, as advised by the OSCE.
Armenia has partially implemented a recommendation to raise awareness about diversity and tolerance. However, it has not fully supported refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants as recommended, leaving room for improvement in this area.
While Armenia has shown some progress, Georgia and Azerbaijan have not fully addressed the recommendations made by international organisations. The Council of Europe urges these countries to take immediate action to improve the human rights situation and protect minority rights.
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