DEVAMM: new bill "On Education" encroaches on the rights of believers in Azerbaijan

The DEVAMM - The Centre in Defence of Freedom of Conscience and Religion - has issued an appeal to the leadership of Azerbaijan, Milli Medjlis (Parliament), corresponding state bodies and the public, stating that the law draft "On Education", now brought for consideration to Milli Medjlis, derogates from the right of the believers.

"Thus, point 11.1.8 of the bill runs: 'It shall be forbidden for pupils, teachers and other employees to attend all educational establishments of the Azerbaijani Republic in headgear (hijab, purdah, etc.) and other religious clothes by'," states the document issued by the DEVAMM.

The DEVAMM states that "the point is in complete contradiction both with the provisions of the Constitutions and international legal documents signed by Azerbaijan, which are clearly guaranteeing the freedom of conscience and religion, including the right to wear the headgear as an integral attribute of one's faith."