On February 24, 2026, an academic-practical seminar titled “The National Action Program for the Effective Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Prevention of Violations of Rights and Freedoms” was organized at Mingachevir State University within the framework of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.” The seminar was also dedicated to combating human trafficking and forced labor.

The main objective of the seminar was to conduct scientific discussions aimed at preventing human trafficking and forced labor crimes in the context of fostering a safe, socially just, and inclusive urban environment, to strengthen awareness-raising efforts in this field, and to promote a climate of public intolerance toward violations of rights and freedoms in society.

The event was aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

As part of the seminar, an awareness-raising video related to the topic was screened.

The seminar was moderated by Elvin Mammadov, Advisor to the Rector for Social Affairs at Mingachevir State University. In his speech, he emphasized that serious crimes such as human trafficking and forced labor are not only legal issues but also matters of social and moral responsibility, highlighting the special importance of the educational and preventive role of higher education institutions in this area.

Polad Atayev, legal advisor at MSU, delivered a presentation titled “Constitutional Rights and Freedoms of the Individual and Citizen, Their Types, and the Effective Assurance of Their Protection.” He provided a detailed explanation of the legal foundations of human rights and freedoms, protection mechanisms, and the responsibilities of the state in this field, and addressed the role of legal awareness in preventing rights violations.

Aygun Gadirova, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education, delivered a presentation titled “Continuation of the Implementation of the Action Plan of the First State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan.” She highlighted the social, economic, and humanitarian aspects of the Great Return process, emphasizing that the protection of human rights and the creation of a sustainable living environment are among its key priorities.

Nargiz Niftaliyeva, lecturer at the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology, delivered a presentation titled “The Importance of Family and Marriage Among Youth, and the Implementation of Awareness Measures on the Negative Consequences of Early and Consanguineous Marriages for Their Protection and Strengthening.” She discussed the psychological, social, and legal consequences of early and consanguineous marriages and underscored the importance of awareness-raising activities in this area.

Another faculty member of the department, Aydin Karimov, delivered a presentation titled “Promotion of the 2026–2028 National Action Plan on Gender Equality (Equality of Men and Women) in the Republic of Azerbaijan.” He emphasized that ensuring gender equality is an integral part of human rights, outlining the main objectives of state policy in this direction and the role of educational institutions.

The presentations were followed by extensive discussions, and participants’ questions were addressed.

It should be noted that, within the framework of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” Mingachevir State University continues to organize academic-practical and awareness-raising events promoting sustainable development, human rights, social welfare, and a safe urban environment.