text: Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has given Azerbaijan the all-clear ahead of its debut next season despite serious concerns over the country's human rights record. Human Rights Watch's 2015 report on the former Soviet republic stated there had been 'a dramatic deterioration in its already poor rights record' particularly in its treatment of opponents of the political regime. However, Ecclestone maintains F1 has conducted its due diligence on Azerbaijan. The capital, Baku, will host a street race to be known as the European Grand Prix. Bernie Ecclestone, speaking in Bahrain, has confirmed Azerbaijan will stage the European Grand Prix . The race will be held in the capital of Baku, despite the country's poor human rights record . Asked whether Azerbaijan's human rights record would be checked, the 84-year-old replied: 'We have. 'I think everybody seems to be happy. There doesn't seem to be any big problem there. 'There's no question of it not being on the calendar. It's going to be another good race.' The sport recently published a 'Statement of Commitment to Respect for Human Rights' that was posted on the formula1.com website. It said: 'The Formula One Group is committed to respecting internationally recognised human rights in its operations globally. 'Whilst respecting human rights in all of our activities, we focus our efforts in relation to those areas which are within our own direct influence.' It added that the sport would also 'identify and assess...any actual or potential adverse human rights impacts with which we may be involved either through our own activities or as a result of our business relationships, including, but not limited to, our suppliers and promoters.' Lewis Hamilton celebrates another victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix . The Mercedes driver has now won three of the opening four races this season . The Human Rights Watch report on Azerbaijan for 2015 was pretty damning. 'The Azerbaijani government escalated repression against its critics, marking a dramatic deterioration in its already poor rights record,' the report states. 'The authorities convicted or imprisoned at least 33 human rights defenders, political and civil activists, journalists, and bloggers on politically motivated charges, prompting others to flee the country or go into hiding. 'Authorities froze the bank accounts of independent civic groups and their leaders, impeded their work by refusing to register foreign grants, and imposed foreign travel bans on some. 'Many of those detained complained of ill-treatment in police custody. Many organisations, including several leading rights groups, were forced to cease activities.' Concerns remain, however, over the Italian Grand Prix, one of the most historic races in F1. Hamilton leads the 2014 Italian Grand Prix, although Monza's future on the circuit is uncertain . Ecclestone is currently negotiating with promoters at Monza over a new contract, with the current one due to expire after next year's race. Officials have made it clear they can no longer afford Ecclestone's terms and are hoping he will reduce his fees. Ecclestone, though, seems unconcerned at losing F1's heartland of Europe as key races such as those at Imola, France and Germany have disappeared. 'We have to wait and see. They don't have an agreement. Bit like Germany really,' said Ecclestone. Suggested to Ecclestone it was unthinkable the race could be dropped, he replied: 'I tell you something, I was told that when we didn't have a race in France actually. And Germany now. We've got some good replacements, haven't we?'
target: The European Grand Prix will be staged in Azerbaijan next year .
  Former Soviet republic has been criticised for poor human rights record .
  Bernie Ecclestone claims F1 has conducted its due diligence .