On February 22, 2023, the report "Protection Orders in cases of violence against women and domestic violence: international standards and national experience of Azerbaijan" was presented.

Officials from a number of state institutions, non-governmental organizations and representatives of international organizations participated in the presentation ceremony of the report prepared in cooperation with the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs within the framework of the European Union and Council of Europe project on "Raising awareness of the Istanbul Convention and other standards of gender equality in Azerbaijan".

The event was moderated by Kyrylol Boicheniuk, Deputy Head of the Representation of the Council of Europe in Baku.

Bahar Muradova, the Chair of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs made an introductory speech and expressed her gratitude for the support given to the specified regional project. She noted that all joint events held since the beginning of the project were organized at a high level and aroused interest.

The Chair of the State Committee indicated that the main goal of the project is to increase awareness of the topic, and strengthen institutional mechanisms and professional skills: "The project is intended for employees of law enforcement agencies, judicial personnel, judges, lawyers, non-governmental organizations and other structures".

B. Muradova noted that the most important direction of the State Committee's activity is establishing joint work with all partners using its coordinating function to ensure gender equality and eliminate problems that interfere with it. She paid attention to the events held within the framework of cooperation with the State Committee.

The head of the gender equality department of the Council of Europe, Katerina Bolognez, noted that this project is the first project implemented in Azerbaijan by the Council of Europe and the European Union, which raises the issue of combating violence against women and domestic violence. She noted that more than 100,000 people were involved in the actions of the project, implemented since 2020, and more than 40 visual materials were prepared to raise awareness of international standards.

Maryam Haji-Ismailova, the representative of the representation of the European Union in Azerbaijan, noted that the most memorable and particularly important issue among the completed works was the analysis of legislation related to the issuance of Protection Orders. Unfortunately, the statistics on the issuance of protective orders are small, which indicates that more work needs to be done in this area.

The conference continued on the topic "Presentation of the report on Protection Orders: main conclusions and recommendations".

Roza Logar, the expert of the Council of Europe noted that the recommendations reflected in the report are based on international standards and best practices, and also include numerous and detailed measures adapted to the situation in Azerbaijan. 

At the end of the meeting, Bahar Muradova made a speech and wished success at the next stage of the project.