SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF OPINION AND EXPRESSION TO VISIT AZERBAIJAN

20 April 2007

The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Mr. Ambeyi Ligabo, will be visiting Azerbaijan from 22 to 28 April 2007, at the invitation of the Government.

During his visit, in order to gather first-hand information relevant to the promotion and the exercise of the right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression the Special Rapporteur will meet in Baku with the highest State authorities, relevant national institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and professional associations.

The Special Rapporteur will prepare a comprehensive report on his findings, including a list of conclusions and recommendations, to be presented to the Human Rights Council.

The mandate of Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression was established by United Nations Commission on Human Rights, in resolution 1993/45, and extended by the Human Rights Council by its decision 1/102. Mr. Ambeyi Ligabo, who was appointed in August 2002, is the second Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

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