UN: 'Azerbaijan human rights record undermines European Games hosting'

The UN Human Rights Council has said that Azerbaijan's hosting of the European Games has been undermined by issues relating to its human rights programme.

Azerbaijan had been criticised prior to the Games by the Germany and Sweden teams.

"It is unfortunate that, while Azerbaijan is investing significant efforts in promoting its image abroad, these efforts are being undermined by its actions at home," it said in a statement.

"We call on Azerbaijan to end its crackdown on civil society and respect fundamental freedoms, and to create and maintain, in law and in practice, a safe and enabling environment in which civil society can operate free from hindrance and insecurity."

Azerbaijan are ranked 162nd out of 180 countries for press freedom, according to Reporters Without Borders.