FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND BELIEF IN THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

Abstract The study subject covers the protection of human rights and freedoms, provision of the freedom of religion and conscience in Azerbaijan, as well as the work done for the regulation of relations between state and religion. The special attention is paid to the provisions on the freedoms of faith and conscience, indicated in the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the support of the government to all the local and international efforts in the protection of freedoms of religion and conscience, based on the principles and norms of the international law in this field, the historically developed traditions and national and spiritual values. The article shows that throughout the history Azerbaijan stood out for its polyethnicity and multinationality; it emphasizes also the presence of high tolerance, the implementation of peaceful and joint activities by the representatives of all religions, the prevention of the national, religious and racial discriminations, the constant application of efforts to strengthen friendship and brotherhood, and the reign of peace, tranquility and amity between people regardless of their religious identity. At the same time, the article says that the legislation of Azerbaijan prescribes the punishment for the violation of the rights and freedoms on the grounds of national, ethnic, racial or religious affiliation of a person.