Our Mission
Our mission is to build a durable and resilient legal defense system that effectively protects fundamental rights and freedoms, supports civil society, and strengthens the rule of law.
Empowerment
Enhancing the capacity, independence, and resilience of lawyers and rights-protection institutions through practical training, structured mentorship, institutional support, and strategic collaboration.
Protection
Advancing human rights protection through legal defense and strategic litigation at national and international levels.
Accountability
Monitoring and documenting systemic human rights violations, pursuing redress through strategic litigation and advocacy, and preserving evidence for future transitional justice efforts.
Latest News
Azerbaijan has been classified as a high-risk country for torture in the second edition of the Global Torture Index
On 25 June 2026, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) published the second edition of the Global Torture Index. In this edition, the scope of the Index was expanded to cover 39 countries, and Azerbaijan was included for the first time among the countries assessed.
ILN, EHRAC, CPJ and CFJ submit a new Rule 9.2 communication to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in the Mammadli v. Azerbaijan group of cases
The Independent Lawyers Network e.V. (ILN), the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) have submitted a new Rule 9.2 communication to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers concerning the execution of the European Court of Human Rights judgments in the Mammadli v. Azerbaijan group of cases (Application No. 47145/14).
ILN, EHRAC and the Law Society submit a communication to the Committee of Ministers concerning the independence of lawyers in the Namazov group of cases
The Independent Lawyers Network e.V. (ILN), the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC), and the Law Society of England and Wales (the “Law Society”) have submitted a Rule 9.2 communication to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe concerning the execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in the […]
Statement on the Third Extension of Lawyer Zabil Gahramanov’s Detention
The Independent Lawyers Network condemns the decision of the Sabail District Court of Baku dated 16 May 2026 to extend, for the third time, the period of detention of lawyer Zabil Gahramanov as a preventive measure for another two months, until 23 July.
Independent Lawyers Network becomes delegate of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum for 2026–2028
The Independent Lawyers Network (ILN) has been selected as a delegate organisation for Azerbaijan National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum for the 2026–2028 cycle, joining a regional network of civil society organisations working to promote human rights, rule of law, and democratic accountability across the Eastern Partnership region.
ILN Submits Follow-Up Report to UN Committee against Torture on Azerbaijan
ILN and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) submitted a detailed follow-up report to the UN Committee against Torture concerning Azerbaijan’s implementation of Concluding Observations.
Our Activities
Legal Aid
Free online legal consultations and support to individuals and civil society actors facing human rights violations.
Strategic Litigation
Supporting carefully selected cases before national and international mechanisms that raise broader legal questions.
Training / Mentoring
Practice-oriented training programs for lawyers, legal professionals, and human rights defenders.
Defend Defenders
Supporting lawyers and human rights defenders facing professional pressure or risks.
Advocacy
Evidence-based advocacy at national and international levels to promote human rights and rule of law.
Implementation Watch
Monitoring implementation of decisions by international and regional human rights bodies.
Strengthening Independent Legal Defence: ILN’s Impact
Since 2020, ILN has strengthened human rights legal defence and accountability in Azerbaijan through international partnerships, strategic litigations, and practitioner training, supporting lawyers and defenders working under severe repression.
In 2025
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