Azerbaijan expresses concern in Geneva about rise of racism, Islamophobia in Europe

Azerbaijan believes that the protection and promotion of the right to development, as well as economic, social, cultural, and other human rights, are the foundation of democracy, peace, and prosperity, reads a statement by the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN Office at Geneva and other international organizations, delivered during an interactive dialogue on the High Commissionerchr("39")s annual update at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, Olaylar informs.

The statement notes that the South Caucasus has now received a historic opportunity to transform itself from a region of confrontation into a space of cooperation.

The benefits of this are already obvious. Azerbaijan has opened up and offered new economic, trade, and transit prospects not only for its immediate neighbors but also beyond the region, the document states.

It emphasizes that one of the governmentchr("39")s top priorities is the return of internally displaced persons to their homes, as well as restoration and reconstruction work. The right to return and a dignified life are also identified as important human rights.

It is noted that the realization of these rights, as well as the identification of thousands of missing persons, is hampered by the extensive contamination of territories with mines and unexploded ordnance. Azerbaijan calls on the international community not to remain indifferent and to show solidarity.

The statement also expresses concern about ongoing human rights problems, including racism and discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities in the EU, the rise of Islamophobia, and the growth of social intolerance.

It notes updates on the unequal treatment of migrants and asylum seekers, as well as practices that raise questions about equal access to dignity, protection, and rights.

The document emphasizes that human rights should be consistently promoted without discrimination, and that effective international cooperation must be based on mutual respect, objectivity, and equal standards.