UTIAC 1. Azerbaijan is a country with high levels of corruption and there is clear evidence that political dissent is not tolerated.
2. There is nothing to indicate that the State would in any way penalise unmarried mothers (approximately 10% of mothers) or those who have mixed race children. There are in place some support mechanisms for single parents.
3. In order to access benefits, accommodation or work, a residence permit (a propiska) is required. There is nothing to indicate that Azerbaijanis who have lost their propiska would be unable to obtain a replacement. Children have access to education. There is some evidence that Government officials may require blat – a system of favours, from those who need to obtain housing or other benefits but there is nothing to suggest that that system is universal and would mean that those who refused to offer blat would be shut out from accommodation, schooling or other benefits.
4. Although the Azerbaijani Government has ratified most Conventions relating to human rights and the compliance with the norms therein is improving, the reality is that the improvement is from a low starting point. Many NGOs dealing with human rights exist in Baku and there is also an Ombudsman to whom complaints can be made.
5. Although in the early 1990’s there was discrimination against those of Russian ethnicity the situation for them was normalised by 1996. Ethnic Russians make up approximately 8% of the population. Prejudice may still exist but 80% of Ethnic Russians are in work – only slightly fewer than those in work in the population as a whole (83.7%).
6. There is some discrimination against Christians but there is freedom for Christians to practice their religion.
7. Azerbaijani society, particularly in rural areas, is traditional and attitudes to women are conservative – nevertheless approximately 10% of mothers are unmarried. Family support networks (krisha) are a strong feature of family life and benefit family members, for instance when obtaining work.
8. Although the concept of family honour among more traditional families in Azerbaijan (namus) exists there is nothing to indicate that there is a real risk of honour killings or other ill-treatment of those who are considered by members of their families to have brought dishonour on the family. Nor is there any indication that there would not be a sufficiency of protection for those women.
9. Azerbaijan is a traditional society and those who do not fit in, such as those of mixed race may well face discrimination and prejudice. Armenians and Lezghins are particularly likely to face discrimination.
10. There is nothing to indicate that a single parent without parental support or her child would face treatment which would either amount to persecution or cross the threshold of Article 3 ill treatment.
Judges:
Freeman, McGeachy UTJJ
Citations:
[2013] UKUT 46 (IAC)
Links:
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Immigration
Updated: 14 November 2022; Ref: scu.471000
