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UN rapporteur Asma Jahangir: Azerbaijan has achieved religious tolerance and harmony

28 March 2007 10:36 (UTC +04:00)

The report drawn up by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Asma Jahangir analyzed the situation of religious tolerance and the problems in this sphere. The report says Azerbaijan has achieved high religious tolerance and harmony.
â€œBut some media outlets harm these values, they sometimes forget that religious hostility and inspiration have been internationally banned,â€ the report says.
The UN special rapporteur visited Azerbaijan last year and she noted that generally religious values are respected in Azerbaijan, but not all the regions of the country fulfill its principles.
â€œSome religious communities face restrictions to the right of religious freedom due to some shortfalls in controlling ensure of religious freedom. There are obstacles to registration, restrictions to religious literature, methods of appointing religious men, obstacles to unregistered religious communities,â€ the report notes.
Ms. Jahangir considers these problems can be addressed through establishment of effective, independent and unbiased administrative and judicial mechanisms in the country.
â€œWe are aware of the problems that Azerbaijan has faced during transition period, and we urge the government and the society to strengthen institutions for establishment of democratic society,â€ she concludes. /APA/