This interview was organised by the Human Rights House Azerbaijan for the third edition of the “Portraits of Strength” photo exhibition. The photo was taken by journalist Ulviyya Ali, in Baku Book Center, Azerbaijan, September 2024.

When did you realise you were a human rights defender?

“Since childhood, I would argue with those who bullied weaker children. I felt it was unjust behaviour and would begin to protest. I believe those who consider themselves strong must support the weak.”

“Through my professional legal work, I discovered that one of the most violated rights in our country were women’s rights. Being a part of the Women’s Lawyers Alliance of Azerbaijan played a significant role in my development in this field, it allowed me to provide women with quality legal assistance.” 

What is the nature of your work and what challenges do you face as a Woman Human Rights Defender?

“As more and more victims were coming to our organisation, at some point, I found myself in the centre of the fight against domestic violence. In the eyes of everyone who came to me, I saw a bit of hopelessness but also trust.”

“When someone turns to you in their most challenging moment, they should feel your energy. Considering that most women suffering from domestic violence are socially unprotected, you must, first of all, forget about high earnings. Working with such cases you do not have such privilege to say “I’m tired, I’m leaving, I’m scared”. You can not afford to lose the trust of people. Sometimes, you encounter emotionally difficult cases, which may involve rape, the murder of women and children, or incest. After working on such cases it can take time and therapy to recover.”

“As a woman human rights defender, I do feel a different treatment and sometimes think to myself – what could then the treatment be for victims [of domestic violence] if this is the treatment of a female lawyer? But with this comes the greatest motivation – thousands of people trust us and place their hopes on us.”

“A special source of motivation is helping activists, journalists, and those arrested due to politically-motivated persecution. Their strength and struggle also inspire us. Even a small success in our work gives us a second wind.” 

What is the current human rights situation in your country?

“It’s not a secret for anyone that the human rights situation in Azerbaijan is seriously deteriorating. In recent years we see it especially with the arrests of independent media journalists, and human rights defenders.”

Sometimes I lose count of how many are now behind bars. With my colleagues we wonder, how did we end up here? With no one from civil society left [free inside the country]. Most of the civil society representatives left the country during protests due to the risk of being arrested.

“It would not be a surprise if tomorrow [the authorities come knocking at] the doors of the lawyers. In that case, we will have a complete chaos – who will be protecting people, who will be working on the cases?” 

“The cases I work on can show the situation with civil society and human rights. I’ve participated in defence of a human rights defender and activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, but when we had new arrests the team of lawyers had to split up to move to other cases. I also defend two scientists Iqbal Abilov – activist, historian and anthropologist, the other one is economist Fazil Gasimov, who was arrested together with economist and political activist Gubad Ibadoghlu. I also work on the cases of journalists, including from AbzasMedia, Nargiz Absalamova, and a representative from Toplum TV Ilkin Amrahov.  All of them are persecuted due to political reasons.”

What kind of human rights situation in your country would you like to see in the next 30 years?

“In 30 years, I would like to see that human rights are valued more. I would like to see that people are no longer punished for having different opinions, for openly expressing their words and thoughts, for being different, or for holding opposing political views. That people are not subjected to discrimination based on various characteristics. I would like to live in a time when, at least in 20-30 years, legislation on domestic violence and women’s rights aligns with the Istanbul Convention.”

Can you describe your motivation to be a human rights defender?

“I read a lot about the trial of Jeanne d’Arc. I think my approach is similar: you should not be afraid, you were born for it. This is your mission.”

About Portraits of Strength

Women human rights defenders (WHRDs) work to protect and advance freedoms while facing discrimination and stereotypes about their role and participation in society.

HRHF seeks to honour and promote independent women human rights defenders and their work through the “Portraits of Strength: Women Defending Human Rights” photo exhibition and highlight the human rights situation in the countries of the Network of Human Rights Houses.

The exhibition, now in its third edition, shares portraits and stories from WHRDs working on a variety of issues including the documentation of human rights violations and alleged war crimes, rule of law, women’s rights, political prisoners, freedom of expression, and more.

Find out more here.