HRWF study says Azerbaijan is a ‘model’ of tolerance
A major new report by Human Rights Without Frontiers has hailed Azerbaijan as a “model” of tolerance and multiculturalism for neighbouring countries.
The study by HRWF, a leading Brussels-based NGO, includes interviews undertaken with 15 ethnic minorities in the country.
Azerbaijan, notes the 80-page report, is a “mosaic” of numerous ethnic, linguistic and religious groups that could be conflicting as it is the case in the North Caucasus.
However, it says that all ethnic groups, such as Quiz, Khanbalik and Budge, live in peace despite their different languages, traditions and cultures.
The exhaustive study states that Azerbaijan has put in place mechanisms and policies that aim at bringing closer national minorities and that multi-ethnic diversity in Azerbaijan is a proof that peaceful co-existence is possible in the Caucasus.
A “culture of tolerance” that prevails in the country has been the catalyst for economic development, resulting in 1.1m jobs being created since 2004, with 30,000 jobs in the first quarter of 2014.
In the last seven years, more than 35,000 new enterprises were launched in Azerbaijan with more than 77% of new jobs created in the regions.
The research concludes: ”Violent ethnic conflicts in other parts of the Caucasus persuaded people that inter-ethnic clashes have no military solution except the gloomy prospect of destroyed settlements and the emergence of refugees.”
“There may be lessons to learn from the country’s experience of ethnic and ethno-religious diversity that could be helpful for other states that are dealing with comparable diversity within their borders. This study is presented in this hope.”
Parvana Garayeva
Special Correspondent
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