A conference on the topic “Constitutional Guarantees for the Development of the Judicial System: Contemporary Challenges” was held in Khankendi

On October 31, 2025, as a part of the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty", a conference on the topic "Constitutional Guarantee of the Development of the Judicial System: Modern Challenges" was held at Karabakh University in the city of Khankendi.

The conference, jointly organized by the Supreme Court, the Judicial-Legal Council, and Karabakh University, was attended by state officials, judges, representatives of the judicial community, as well as the teaching staff and students of the University.

In his opening speech, Inam Karimov, Chairman of the Supreme Court and the Judicial-Legal Council, emphasized that declaring 2025 as the “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty” carries special significance for strengthening statehood and developing the rule of law. He noted that ongoing reforms aim to enhance the independence and transparency of the judicial system. Among the key achievements, he mentioned the introduction of electronic court systems, improvements in the selection process of judges, and the growing interest of youth in the legal profession.

He also stressed that the Constitution adopted in 1995 under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev laid the legal foundation of the independent Azerbaijani state. Today, its principles are being successfully implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. The modernization of the judicial system, the application of innovative technologies, and the strengthening of public trust in justice were highlighted as major goals.

Elchin Yusubov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts, stated that the Azerbaijani people are not only celebrating the anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption but also witnessing the restoration of its principles in real life. The Constitution, adopted in 1995 under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, has become the guarantor of independent statehood and human rights and freedoms. The territorial integrity enshrined in the Constitution has been fully restored under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, thanks to the Patriotic War and subsequent anti-terror operations. He described this as not only a military victory but also a triumph of legal and constitutional justice. The process of restoration and settlement in the liberated territories, including the modern infrastructure created in Khankendi, is a manifestation of the Constitution's principles of human welfare and justice.

It was noted that the judicial system is the main guarantee mechanism for the implementation of the Constitution, and reforms strengthen faith in justice. The electronic court system and infrastructure reforms have expanded access to justice, while the establishment of new courts in the liberated territories plays an important role in restoring fairness. It was emphasized that the "Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty" reminds us that the power of the state is embodied in the fair application of the law, and every lawyer should be the guardian of these principles.

Shahin Bayramov, Rector of Karabakh University, underlined the special significance of holding a sovereignty-themed event in Khankendi, where Azerbaijan’s full state sovereignty was restored. He noted that the university, as a leading educational institution in the region’s resettlement process, is expanding its role beyond teaching to include research and innovation. It was emphasized that a curriculum is being developed in the law specialty in accordance with the requirements of the new era and the university is interested in training educated, professional lawyers. The importance of cooperation between Karabakh University and the Supreme Court was also emphasized, and it was noted that judges are now working among the university's teachers.

Elshad Nasirov, Chief of the Heydar Aliyev Academy of the State Security Service, noted in his speech that the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan coincided with a difficult period when we were facing the threat of losing our independence. The preservation of our independence under the leadership of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev is the happiness of our people. It was emphasized that our Constitution is one of the most comprehensive and advanced constitutions in the world and it reflects the will of the Azerbaijani people. It was noted that although Azerbaijan is an independent state, its sovereignty was fully restored only in 2020 and 2023 - thanks to the blood of our martyrs, the unity of our people and the determination of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The speech touched upon other provisions enshrined in our Constitution, the rule of law, and the role of the judiciary.

Head of the Department of Baku State University, Member of the Judicial and Legal Council Alizadeh Mammadov spoke about the importance of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan of November 12, 1995 and its connection with international law. It was emphasized that the Constitution legally confirms the sovereignty of the Azerbaijani state and forms the legal foundations of an independent state. It was noted that the celebration of 2025 as the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" symbolizes the further strengthening of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and the restoration of its territorial integrity. It was noted that the Constitution, as a document regulating the interaction of the state's domestic law and international law, also allows courts to apply international law norms. This process ensures the primacy of international law and its harmonization with Azerbaijani law. Some articles of the Constitution, especially those related to human rights, create a legal framework for the application of international law norms.

Chairman of the Khankendi City Court, member of the Judicial-Legal Council Ilkin Abdullayev said in his speech that after gaining independence, it was necessary to adopt a Constitution that meets the realities of the modern era. It was noted that the Constitution of Azerbaijan, adopted in 1995 under the leadership of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, is one of the most significant events in the history of our state. It was emphasized that the judiciary is an important institution that ensures the stability and sustainable development of society, as well as stimulating economic development. The dynamic development of society requires constant improvement of the Constitution and its adaptation to the challenges of the times. Modernization of the judicial system is of great importance in this regard.

Finally, the Chairman of the Administrative Collegium of the Supreme Court Khagani Mammadov, the Chairman of the Commercial Collegium Kamala Abiyeva and the Chairman of the Civil Collegium, a member of the Judicial-Legal Council Sanan Hajiyev addressed the students and provided detailed information about the activities of the Supreme Court and the scope of work of the collegiums they lead. Also, questions of interest from the students were answered.