On September 29, Rovshan Rzayev, Chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Ertuze Metehan Temurcin, Chief Specialist of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Headquarters in Geneva, and Vladimir Gyorgiyev, the head of the Representative Office of the IOM in Azerbaijan.

The guests were informed about the main directions of the state policy in the field of work with refugees and IDPs in our country. It was noted that among the priorities of President Ilham Aliyev’s social policy, solving the problems of refugees and IDPs is an important issue, and First Vice-President Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva pays special attention to protecting the rights and interests of persons from this category. It was reported that after ending the occupation of Armenia and restoring its sovereign rights in Eastern Zangezur and Karabakh, the state of Azerbaijan implements necessary security measures, restoration and construction works in those areas. The goal is to voluntarily return IDPs to their permanent residences and provide them with safe and dignified living conditions. It was noted with regret that Armenia committed mine terrorism in the territories of Azerbaijan not only during the occupation, but also after the end of the occupation, and the importance of the international community’s effective support for the elimination of this threat was emphasized.

It was mentioned with satisfaction that in the past period, international organizations, including the IOM, provided assistance to our country in solving the problems of refugees and IDPs, and implemented humanitarian projects, and hope was expressed that cooperation in this field will be continued during the period of the Great Return, and support will be provided for sustainable settlement and employment in the territories freed from occupation.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Ertuze Metehan Temurcin and Vladimir Gyorgiyev informed about the goals of the organization they represent, the directions of cooperation related to the settlement of displacement, refugee and migration issues. It was brought to attention that the IOM currently pays special attention to the assessment of the needs of IDPs in our country, and an expert in the relevant field has been sent for this purpose, will conduct the necessary analyzes and prepare proposals.

At the meeting, issues of mutual interest were discussed, sincere ideas were exchanged for the expansion of the directions of cooperation.