Créteil:The Baku Initiative Group has issued a statement expressing serious concern about the ongoing protests in France, which involve high-school students and young people mobilizing nationwide.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the protests began in Créteil and spread across the country, initially sparked by issues related to the right to quality education. Concerns include teacher shortages, deteriorating school infrastructure, and dissatisfaction with the higher-education admissions system. This has led to a broader mobilization involving students, teachers, parents, and trade unions.

The French Interior Minister reported over 6,600 apprehensions and injuries to 215 students and 89 education personnel by October 8. The use of crowd-control weapons and severe injuries to minors are of particular concern, including a 15-year-old in Lens who lost a hand due to a stun grenade explosion.

The Baku Initiative Group emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights to education, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly, and protecting children from unnecessary force. They urge French authorities to adhere to policing principles of necessity and proportionality, ensure minors' rights, investigate serious injuries, and engage in dialogue with students and educators.

The Group calls for consistent application of human rights principles, urging France to treat young protesters as rights-holders rather than security threats. They will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for dialogue and respect for fundamental rights.