Azerbaijan faces controversy over school hijab restrictions

Human rights organizations and journalists are raising alarms regarding the renewed enforcement of hijab restrictions in Azerbaijani state schools. Reports indicate that students wearing headscarves have been turned away from educational institutions under the pretext of dress code regulations.

MAZLUMDER, an association for human rights and solidarity with the oppressed, expressed concern that these practices violate freedom of religion and the right to education. The organization noted that while a 2008 attempt to legally ban the hijab was withdrawn following public outcry, current school uniform regulations and a proposed law on child rights may provide a new legal basis for such restrictions. There are concerns that the new legislation could allow officials to label the hijab as ‘family pressure’ to justify bans.

Journalist Nigar Ögeday has also called on the government to intervene, highlighting cases where the children of war veterans and martyrs have been affected by these policies. Critics argue that these restrictions undermine social cohesion and public trust in the state.