Baku hosts 'Situation of Journalist Organizations in Azerbaijan and Future Development Trends' conference

Baku. 30 June. REPORT.AZ/ "Situation of Journalist Organizations in Azerbaijan and Future Development Trends" conference kicked off in Baku with the organization of the Azerbaijani Journalists' Trade Union and International Federation of Journalists.

Report informs, Chairman of the Trade Union of Journalists, Mushfig Alasgarli, said the organization is working to better protect journalists' rights in their workplace.

According to him, serious works are underway in this direction: "The existence of the trade union does not prevent entrepreneurs, but on the contrary, motivates them. We are cooperating with international organizations".

Adrien Collin, Head of the International Federation of Journalists Projects Department, noted that rights of journalists in the South Caucasus had previously been violated: "It includes pressures, failure to conclude labour contracts, low pensions. Political will is needed for solving these problems. Legislation complies with standards in Azerbaijan, but government agencies do not fully comply with it. Journalists don't know that the Trade Union can protect their rights. Therefore, the organization should work seriously. Strict control must be conducted over compliance with labor legislation in the workplace. We want journalists to be provided with affordable jobs".

Vugar Safarli, Executive Director of the State Support Fund for Mass Media Development under the President of Azerbaijan Republic, Chairman of the Press Council, MP Aflatun Amashov spoke about the state of media in Azerbaijan.

Media leaders made speeches on the issue.