This report assesses the implementation of recommendations accepted by the Republic of Azerbaijan during the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism of the United Nations (UN), with a particular focus on the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and plus (LGBTI+) persons.

During the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, Azerbaijan accepted 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 violence, discrimination and institutional abuse against LGBTI+ persons 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, public discrimination and hate-motivated attacks. Victims continue to refrain from seeking protection due to fear of retaliation, secondary victimization and a lack of confidence in law enforcement authorities.

The Government of Azerbaijan therefore remains significantly behind in implementing the commitments it voluntarily noted during the fourth cycle of the UPR, thus failing to bring domestic law and practice into line with international human rights standards. Government 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.

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.