Azerbaijan made a statement at the UN regarding those missing during the First Karabakh War

Azerbaijan made a statement regarding those missing during the First Karabakh War at the UN open debate on "Women, Peace and Security in the Next Quarter Century: Fulfilling the Promise Through Implementation."

The statement was delivered by Nahida Bagirova, Counselor of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN.

According to her, armed conflicts continue to affect women and children around the world: "Against the backdrop of non-compliance with international obligations, as well as impunity for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, such actions continue."

Bagirova recalled that the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2474 (2019), require timely and adequate international support to meet the needs of the affected population, including women and girls, and to address the problems that have arisen:

"The years-long conflict has ended; however, despite the progress achieved in advancing the peace agenda in the region, the fate and whereabouts of thousands of Azerbaijanis who went missing in connection with the past armed conflict remain a pressing humanitarian issue.

Determining the fate of missing persons and advancing relevant international efforts in this direction are of paramount importance for Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan continues to carry out large-scale construction and restoration work in the post-conflict period to ensure that internally displaced persons can exercise their right to safe, voluntary, and dignified return to their native lands. Within the framework of the Great Return program, special measures have been taken to empower women and girls and enhance their participation in the recovery process.

However, these efforts continue to be hampered by the persistent mine threat. Since November 2020, 443 people, including women and children, have fallen victim to mine incidents, and these numbers continue to rise. This grave situation underscores the urgent need to strengthen national humanitarian demining capacity and provide adequate international assistance in support of demining efforts.

Despite these challenges, thanks to measures implemented by the government, approximately 96,000 people have already returned and are currently living and working in the cities, towns, and villages being rebuilt."