On May 5, in Vienna, Austria, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights together with the OSCE Finnish Chairmanship held the two-day conference titled “Protecting civic space: the role of human rights defenders and freedom of peaceful assembly.”
The event brought together ambassadors, diplomats, and official representatives from 57 countries to discuss the protection of civic space, the activities of human rights defenders, and the challenges to ensuring freedom of peaceful assembly across the OSCE region.
Dr. Ahmad Shahidov, head of the Azerbaijan Institute for Democracy and Human Rights and a human rights defender, took part in the panel discussions. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of freedom of peaceful assembly and the vital role of human rights defenders. He also addressed the current legal framework in Azerbaijan and the operational environment for civil society.
Additionally, Dr. Shahidov drew attention to the human rights situation in Armenia, raising concerns over recent restrictions faced by opposition groups and various social movements regarding their right to peaceful assembly. He emphasized the need for fair and unified standards across the OSCE region.
The event also featured experience-sharing and recommendations from other countries in the region.
