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Azerbaijani Official Defends Ban on Consanguineous Marriages as Vital for Public Health

Baku, July 24 — The prohibition of marriages between close relatives is a necessary and forward-looking step to safeguard Azerbaijan’s genetic health and ensure the physical and psychological development of future generations, said Taliya Ibragimova, head of the Legal Support Department at the State Committee for Family, Women and Children’s Affairs.

Speaking to local media, Ibragimova emphasized that extensive medical research and real-life case studies clearly demonstrate the risks associated with consanguineous unions.

“Scientific evidence shows a significantly higher incidence of hereditary and genetic disorders in children born from such marriages. If both parents carry the same genetic mutation, the risk of expression in their offspring increases notably,” she said to Report..

According to her, the existing legislation does not outlaw all forms of familial relationships, but targets specific ones outlined in the Family Code. These include:

  • Marriages between the children of siblings who share a biological grandparent;

  • Marriages between uncles and nieces, and aunts and nephews with proven biological ties.

Medical data indicates that the risk of genetic disorders in children born from such unions can reach up to 8%, compared to the average 2–4% in marriages between non-relatives.

Addressing criticism that such a ban infringes on personal freedoms, Ibragimova countered that international legal frameworks support state intervention in cases involving public health and societal welfare.

 “The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Convention on Human Rights prioritize child welfare and impose obligations on states to ensure the well-being of future generations,” she noted.

She further cited Article 6.3 of Azerbaijan’s Civil Code, which allows for the limitation of civil rights by law to protect public safety, health, morality, and the rights of others.

“In this legal context, the prohibition of consanguineous marriages is both legitimate and aligned with national and international law. The aim is not to curtail individual freedoms, but to preserve public health and protect society’s long-term interests,” Ibragimova concluded.

Rights Advocates Raise Concerns Over State Interference

Human rights organizations and legal experts have expressed concern that the policy may tread dangerously close to limiting individual autonomy and private family decisions. “While the health concerns are real, blanket bans can stigmatize entire communities and open the door to broader social control,” said a representative from a Baku-based civil rights group who asked to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisal.

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