This report assesses the implementation of recommendations received by the Republic of Azerbaijan during the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), with a particular focus on the human rights and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and plus (LGBTI+) persons.

During the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, Azerbaijan received 10 recommendations, covering areas such as the adoption of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, protection against violence and hate crimes, legal recognition of gender identity, equality in family rights, the prohibition of conversion practices, the protection of intersex persons from medical interventions, and awareness-raising and capacity-building for law enforcement and judicial authorities.

The evidence presented in this report demonstrates that the Government of Azerbaijan remains significantly behind in progressing towards those recommendations it voluntarily noted during the 4th cycle of the UPR. Failing to bring domestic law and practice into line with respective UN human rights standards, the Government’s measures have been insufficient to address the structural challenges identified during the fourth UPR cycle, particularly in the areas of legislative reform, accountability for violence and discrimination, and institutional capacity.

As evident in the report, violence, discrimination and institutional abuse against LGBTI+ persons in Azerbaijan remain widespread. Survey findings collected by Barama Collective, together with documented incidents monitored by Nafas LGBTI Azerbaijan Alliance, indicate persistent patterns of police misconduct, ineffective investigations, family-based violence, conversion practices, hate speech, hate-motivated attacks, and even hate crimes. Victims continue to refrain from seeking protection due to fear of retaliation, secondary victimization and a lack of confidence in law enforcement authorities.

Backed by community-driven data, this report outlines these implementation gaps and concludes with recommendations aimed at supporting the Government of Azerbaijan in achieving fuller implementation of its UPR commitments during the remainder of the current cycle.