Bahá'í Academics Resource Library

Synopsis of References to the Bahá'í Faith
in the US State Department's Reports on Human Rights
1991-2000
 Introduction and Index
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AZERBAIJAN
HRP: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
IRF: Annual Reports to Congress on International Religious Freedom

FREEDOM OF RELIGION The Constitution provides that persons of all faiths may choose and practice their religion without restrictions, and the Government generally respects these rights for most citizens; however, there were some abuses and restrictions. Under the Law on Religious Freedom, each person has the right to choose and change his or her own religious affiliation, including atheism, to join or form the religious group of his choice, and to practice his or her religion. The State generally is prohibited expressly from interfering in the religious activities of any individual or group; however, there are exceptions, including cases where the activity of a religious group "threatens public order and stability."

BAHÁ'Í COMMUNITY

The population is approximately 90 percent Muslim, 3 percent Christian, and less than 1 percent Jewish. The rest of the population adheres to other faiths or consists of nonbelievers.... There also have been small congregations of Evangelical Lutherans, Roman Catholics, Baptists, and Baha'is in Baku for over 100 years.

CONFISCATION OF PROPERTY

In March 2000, 132 pounds of books were confiscated from a Baptist returning home from Russia; however, they subsequently were released for entry. Other groups, including Baha'i and Jewish groups, reported no problems importing religious literature.

The Baha'is reportedly are no longer seeking the return of their center, now used as a kindergarten.

Places of worship seized from the Baha'is during the Communist era have not yet been returned to them.



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