06.11.2026 09:35
It was claimed that restrictions on students wearing headscarves were implemented in private schools in Azerbaijan, following state schools. It was alleged that some private school administrations gave families 20 days for their children to remove their headscarves, and that students' transfer and registration applications were also halted. While the regulation caused debates, it was reported that 11 parents applied to the Ombudsman.
The new dress code introduced in schools in Azerbaijan has caused debates. It was reported that after restrictions on headscarved students in public schools, similar practices began to be seen in private schools in the capital Baku. According to news in the regional press and accounts from parents, some private school administrations gave the families of headscarved students 20 days for their children to remove their headscarves.
CLAIM THAT REGISTRATIONS OF HEADSCARVED STUDENTS WERE STOPPED
According to a report by Azerbaijan-based Q?zetçi, the transfer and registration acceptance procedures for headscarved students removed from public schools to private schools were stopped as of November 2. Parents claimed that their applications to Simurq, H?d?f, Atatürk and D?yan?t high schools were rejected on the grounds that there were no vacant places or that instructions from the Ministry of Education were awaited.
Some school representatives, however, making statements on the issue, said that private educational institutions also had to comply with the rules determined by the state.
FAMILIES GIVEN 20 DAYS
According to parents' accounts, some private school administrations granted families a 20-day period so that headscarved students could continue their education. It was alleged that during this period the students were asked to remove their headscarves. The practice in question brought debates regarding students' right to education and religious freedoms.
NEW DRESS CODE AT THE CENTER OF DEBATES
It was stated that the practice causing the debates was based on decision No. 309 adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan on September 21. While the regulation does not directly include the terms "headscarf" or "hijab", it was stated that the use of elements that disrupt the integrity of the school uniform and are not in accordance with the principle of secularism is prohibited.
STATEMENT FROM DEPUTY MINISTER ON PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Deputy Minister of Science and Education of Azerbaijan Firudin Gurbanov stated that the dress rules determined for public schools did not directly cover private schools. However, Gurbanov noted that private general education institutions had the authority to determine dress rules in line with their own statutes.
Despite the Deputy Minister's statement, claims that restrictions on headscarved students are being applied in some private schools continue to be debated.
11 PARENTS APPLIED TO THE OMBUDSMAN
Following the developments, it was reported that 11 parents applied to the Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan (Ombudsman). It was conveyed that Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch also described the practice as discriminatory in terms of the right to education and freedom of religion, and called for the removal of the restrictions.
While uncertainty continues over whether headscarved students will be able to continue their education, it was stated that families are waiting for a solution from the authorities.