Triumph of the Constitution and Sovereignty
Legal Statehood and Sovereignty Values Formed by New Global Challenges
Bayram SALMANOV
Thanks to the victory achieved in the Second Karabakh War, Azerbaijan restored its sovereignty, and historical justice was established. Five years have already passed since the Karabakh victory. At the same time, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the National Constitution, which was adopted as a result of the tireless efforts of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. In this regard, on December 28, 2024, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree declaring 2025 as the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This decree holds special significance for the past, present, and future of our country, shaping the values of legal statehood and sovereignty in the face of new global challenges. The "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" aims to strengthen the legal foundations of the state and further enhance its sovereignty. Sovereignty and statehood are the fundamental factors that ensure the existence and development of independent nations.
In the early 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan took significant steps to restore its independence. The aspirations of our people for sovereignty were rooted in the traditions of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was established in 1918 and lasted only 23 months. After the collapse of the republic, our people, who remained under Soviet rule for nearly 70 years, kept their independence dreams alive. Finally, on October 18, 1991, with the adoption of the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, our country officially restored its status as an independent state.
The adoption of the Constitution in 1995 was one of the most significant events in our history of independence, playing a crucial role in strengthening national statehood. This milestone marked a new phase in the development of our country and provided the legal foundation for the achievements gained during the years of independence. Most of the provisions enshrined in our National Constitution are dedicated to the protection of human rights. President Ilham Aliyev’s decree establishing June 18 as "Human Rights Day" in our country confirms the priority of safeguarding human rights and freedoms. Declaring 2025 as the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" is a continuation of the steps taken in this direction.
The development of sovereignty and statehood traditions ensures that every state is built on strong foundations and guarantees its sustainable development in the future. These principles strengthen the internal stability of the state and its reputation in the international arena. At the same time, statehood values play a key role in preserving national unity, the rule of law and public stability. Without these values, no state can achieve long-term development and security. Thus, sovereignty and statehood values form the basis of a strong and prosperous future for future generations, as well as today’s stability.
Today, modern independent Azerbaijan is recognized as an influential state both in the region and globally. For the past five years, the Republic of Azerbaijan has been fully exercising its authority and implementing the provisions of its Constitution throughout its entire territory. To ensure the supremacy of Azerbaijan’s Constitution, laws, and the perpetuity of sovereignty, we must always protect these supreme values. Over the past period, the restoration of our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty has become one of the most significant events in our modern history, shaping a new stage in the development of independent Azerbaijan.
The declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" will contribute to strengthening national unity, improving the legal framework of the state and further enhancing Azerbaijan’s international image.
In accordance with the implementation of the decree, as stipulated in the Constitution, activities aimed at ensuring a decent standard of living for the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan will be carried out, and confident steps will be taken in response to new realities and challenges.
2025, March 22