Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Azerbaijan about (1) fulfilling its obligations under international law to prevent, investigate and punish violence against women, (2) providing adequate protection and effective legal measures and redress for survivors, and (3) ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

During her recent visit to Azerbaijan the Minister for the European Neighbourhood met with representatives of Civil Society, including survivors of domestic violence. During her meeting with President Aliyev she urged ratification of the Istanbul Convention alongside implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. The UK Government will continue to urge Azerbaijan to sign and ratify the appropriate conventions to provide safeguards for women.