An awareness-raising event was held at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) on the occasion of June 18 — Human Rights Day in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Ilyas Huseynov, Head of CAERC's Turkic World Studies Center, emphasized that ensuring human rights and freedoms in Azerbaijan is one of the priority directions of state policy. He noted that the adoption of the first "State Program on the Protection of Human Rights" on June 18, 1998, marked an important stage in the formation of the country's human rights protection system, and that the establishment of June 18 as Human Rights Day in 2007 reflects the importance attached to this field. Every year, the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan traditionally declares the period from May 18 to June 18 as "Human Rights Month" throughout the country.

Speaking as a guest at the event, Member of Parliament Azer Allahverenov, Secretary General of the NGO Platform of Member States of the Organization of Turkic States, emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation among government agencies, civil society institutions, the media, and academic circles in order to increase the effectiveness of measures taken to protect human rights. It was also noted at the event that the declaration of 2026 as the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" opens new opportunities for ensuring human rights within the urban environment, creating accessible and inclusive infrastructure, and forming a safe and healthy living environment.

As part of the event, information was provided on the goals and objectives of "Human Rights Month," declared by the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It was noted that, within the framework of this month, special importance is attached to promoting human rights and freedoms, expanding legal awareness activities, increasing public awareness of the rights of various segments of society, and discussing contemporary challenges in this field.

At the conclusion of the event, Member of Parliament Azer Allahverenov answered questions from participants and members of the "Reform Volunteers." During the discussions, an exchange of views took place on digital transformation, the development of artificial intelligence technologies, personal data protection, combating disinformation, building an inclusive society, protecting the rights of vulnerable population groups, and the new challenges arising from the post-conflict period. Participants noted that Human Rights Day makes an important contribution to the development of legal awareness in society, the strengthening of a culture of respect for human rights and freedoms, and the expansion of awareness-raising activities in this field.