Leyla Yunus

Activist Type

Human Rights

Leyla Yunus, a Azerbaijani human rights activist fighting for justice and democracy in her country, serves as the director of the Institute of Peace and Democracy. Yunus has spent her career championing the rights of citizens, particularly those affected by forced evictions in Baku. Throughout her career, she has been a vocal proponent of reform and moderation, co-founding the modern Popular Front party and advocating for democratic principles in the Soviet regime.

In 2014, Yunus and her husband were detained and sentenced to 8.5 years in jail on fraudulent tax charges. Due to her declining health in prison, she was released to receive medical treatment in the Netherlands, where she now lives. Leyla Yunus was among the three recipients of the 2014 Sakharov Award. With the award, the European Parliament also stated that it had “decided to send a delegation with representatives from all political groups to Azerbaijan to meet and support Leyla Yunus in her fight for democracy and freedom in her country.

Artwork by

Maleyka Khojanazarova

Against a backdrop adorned with traditional Azerbaijani motifs, the piece features the Kelagai, symbolizing cultural heritage passed from mothers to daughters. With the Human Rights Tulip pin adorning the scarf, the artwork becomes a poignant tribute to Leyla’s advocacy for human rights, resonating across generations and cultures.

Azerbaijan

Capital

Baku

Founded

May 28, 1918

Demonym

Azerbaijani