New York:Azerbaijan has accused the UN Special Rapporteur on the destruction of religious monuments of taking a biased approach in a recent report. Shahriyar Hajiyev, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, expressed the country’s rejection of the allegations related to Azerbaijan in paragraphs 16 and 17 of the Special Rapporteur’s report on freedom of religion or belief. He made these remarks during an Interactive Dialogue at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Hajiyev highlighted that Azerbaijan strongly denies the claims made in the specified sections of the report. He argued that the Special Rapporteur could have included information about the almost 30-year occupation during which religious heritage sites in Azerbaijan were destroyed, including the demolition of at least 65 mosques and the desecration of cemeteries.
Hajiyev further questioned the impartiality and objectivity of the Special Rapporteur, pointing out the continued silence on these issues while including unfounded allegations in the report. He stressed the importance of mandate holders conducting their duties objectively and impartially.
In his address, Hajiyev emphasized the fundamental human right to freedom of religion or belief, describing it as crucial for stable societies where mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect are cultivated. He noted Azerbaijan’s efforts to uphold these values as a multi-confessional society, supported by its Constitution and the Law on Freedom of Conscience.
Hajiyev also mentioned that 994 religious communities were registered in Azerbaijan by 2025, with the majority being Islamic. The country hosts 2,387 mosques, 16 churches, 23 prayer houses, seven synagogues, and places of worship for Baha’i and Krishna communities. He urged Special Rapporteurs to avoid biased and selective approaches to effectively address challenges related to freedom of religion or belief.