The event started with the opening speeches of the famous human rights defenders Novella Jafaroglu, Chairwoman of the Association for Protection of Human Rights, Saida Gojamanli, Chairwoman of the Human Rights and Rule of Law Protection Bureau and Arzu Abdullayeva, Chairman of International Helsinki Assembly Azerbaijan National Committee. They briefly highlighted the situation in Azerbaijan in regard with the human rights in 2009 assessing it worse than the previous years which remained in memories with the death of human rights defender, Editor-in-Chief of “Taloshi Sado” newspaper Novruzali Mammadov on 17 August and the arrest of 2 young bloggers on 8 July.
Ragsana Mammadova, Co-ordinating Manager of the Human Rights House, informed the participants on the history of establishment of the House, its aims, activities and future plans. The participants showed great interest in the House and asked for further details on the use of the House.
The organizers thanked all the supporters, including the Embassies of Norway, US, UK, France and Germany, as well as, the European Commissions, Council of Europe, OSCE for their continuing support to the human rights defenders.
The human rights defenders had a family photo to demonstrate their solidarity always and in this special day, in particular.
The event finished with the dancing, singing of the participants.
