Civil Rights Defenders has recently once again opened the doors to Defenders’ Days and welcomed us along with more than 150 human rights defenders from all over the world. The programme took place in Stockholm, from 4th till 7th of April, and included various presentations, panel discussions as well as a number of trainings and workshops, all focusing on human rights. It was the venue to network, attend the wide variety of events, deepen perspectives on the human rights related questions and share valuable experiences. Several of the world’s foremost human rights experts attend Defenders’ Days in order to host trainings and share their knowledge.

At the last day of the conference, Civil Rights Defenders announced the winner of the Civil Rights Defender of the Year Award, recognition intended for the exceptional human rights defenders who strive to ensure respect for people’s civil and political rights. This year’s Award went to human rights lawyer Intigam Aliyev, who has, over the two decades, defended numerous individuals and organizations in Azerbaijan. 

Initigam Aliyev has been an inspiration to a generation of young Azerbaijanis, both as a teacher and as a devoted human rights lawyer. In 2014, he was imprisoned together with other human rights activist in a nationwide crackdown on independent voices in Azerbaijan. His recent release from prison symbolizes a glimmer of hope for an improved human rights situation in Azerbaijan. However, despite the recent release of Intigam Aliyev and other human rights defenders, several prisoners of conscience still remain in prison in Azerbaijan. Learn more about Aliyev, Defenders’ Days programme and many other impressive human rights defenders and their initiatives at Civil Rights Defenders.