Azernews.Az

BAKU – An OSCE official has cited the need for woman police officers in Azerbaijan to protect the rights of domestic violence victims.

The OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, Jamila Seftaoui, told a news conference Thursday that there is a shortage of policewomen in the country dealing with such abuse. She said that if those suffering from abuse knew women work in police precincts, they would be more inclined to report their problems to law enforcement agencies.

Seftaoui offered two ways of increasing the number of women in the police.

"Firstly, women holding different jobs in the law enforcement could be hired as police officers. Secondly, young women could be drawn to the police system by creating favorable conditions for them," Seftaoui said at the end of a four-day visit to Azerbaijan.

The OSCE adviser also said this month's adoption of a law on prevention of domestic violence marks an important step for Azerbaijan towards implementing its gender equality commitments. Seftaoui added that good mechanisms must now be developed so that the law can be implemented effectively.

The OSCE supported the drafting and adoption of the law. "A comprehensive approach to combating violence against women and an effective implementation of this law are essential to ensuring fundamental rights and security for women," Seftaoui said.

In discussions with Azerbaijani senior officials from the Interior Ministry, the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs, and the Economic Development Ministry, as well as with representatives of the international organizations and civil society, Seftaoui debated ways to advance women's rights and promote women's economic empowerment, as well as their protection from discrimination and all forms of violence in order to achieve gender equality in Azerbaijan.

"Gender equality is a fundamental human right and an essential element of the OSCE's comprehensive security mandate," Seftaoui said. "Viable mechanisms that help protect victims and prosecute aggressors are crucial parts of comprehensive frameworks to promote gender equality. Civil society initiatives are also essential for accelerating women's empowerment and gender equality on a community level."

Seftaoui emphasized that a family's privacy, culture, tradition or education level could never be a justification to tolerate or ignore violence against women.

"Violence against women not only affects individuals, but impedes a country's development in every sphere," she said.