BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. The
fundamentals of state-religion relations in Azerbaijan are
enshrined at the constitutional level, Human Rights Commissioner
(Ombudsperson) Sabina Aliyeva said at the 2nd Forum of Azerbaijani Religious Leaders in Baku,
Trend reports.
She noted that the constitution, which stands as the ultimate
guarantor of human rights and freedoms, celebrating its 30th
anniversary this year, has enshrined human rights and freedoms as
core values, serving as a legal foundation for bolstering the
independence and sovereignty of the nation.
According to the ombudsperson, in Azerbaijan, a secular state,
the framework for state-religion relations is firmly established at
the constitutional level, incorporating key principles such as the
equality of all religious beliefs under the law, the freedom of
conscience for all individuals, and the inviolable right not to be
compelled to disclose one's religion, beliefs, or thoughts under
any circumstances, nor to be prosecuted for doing so.
"Article 25 of our constitution, which guarantees the right to
equality, also ensures equal rights and freedoms for all
individuals, irrespective of their religious affiliation," she
emphasized.
Furthermore, national legislation explicitly prohibits the
dissemination and promotion of religions or religious movements
that undermine human dignity or contradict fundamental principles
of humanity.
Aliyeva emphasized that the issues regarding religious
affiliation are applied positively in Azerbaijan, not only at the
legislative level but also in real life.
"The continuous support provided by the state to mosques,
churches, and synagogues operating in our country, and the
promotion of multiculturalism as a factor that enriches our
spiritual heritage, in itself contributes to this area," she
concluded.
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