Hijab Protests in Azerbaijan Schools

Following reports that hijab-wearing students and teachers were barred from entering schools after a new "secular" dress code was recently introduced by the government in Azerbaijan, protests have broken out at several schools across the country. Triggered by the re-emphasis of strict secular rules in educational institutions, these restrictions have sparked significant backlash from students and parents.

Videos spreading rapidly on social media show crowds of school-aged children gathering outside school buildings, expressing their opposition to the decision and actively boycotting classes. Students refusing to enter their classrooms state they are standing in solidarity with their peers, while parents are confronting school administrations, demanding an immediate halt to the implementation. The sudden enforcement of these restrictions during the academic year has caused many students to miss school and fall behind in their lessons.

Education rights advocates and human rights activists argue that these newly introduced dress code restrictions directly violate the constitutionally guaranteed right to access education. Families have expressed that they are being forced to choose between their religious beliefs and their children's right to an education, calling on authorities to urgently review this policy and ensure an inclusive educational environment for all students.