Fuad Huseynov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs, gave a lecture on “Solution of the problem of IDPs in Azerbaijan - long-term displacement and long-awaited Return” to about 40 diplomats working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting held within the “Foreign Policy Program for Young Diplomats” was jointly initiated by the Institute of Development and Diplomacy of ADA University and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The deputy chairman of the State Committee gave detailed information to the diplomats about the historical roots of Armenia’s occupation and deportation policy, the refugee and IDP problem and the state policy implemented in the direction of its solution. It was reported that the brave Azerbaijani army under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev liberated our territories from occupation, and we are already celebrating the second anniversary of this victory. After this victory, conditions have been created for our compatriots, who have been homesick for nearly 30 years, to return to their native regions and cities voluntarily, safely and with dignity in accordance with the principles of international law.
It was brought to attention that during the period of their life as IDPs, they were always surrounded by the attention and care of our state. 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. At present, large-scale restoration and construction works are being carried out in the territories freed from occupation. Road-transport infrastructure, communication, utility lines are restored and rebuilt. Zangilan region is also the first step of the return, 66 families and 326 people were relocated to Aghali village, which was built on the basis of the “smart village” concept of the region. The Master Plan of other cities and regions has been approved, and construction-building works are underway.
At the same time, it was brought to attention that Armenia has polluted the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, as well as the lands that have no military purpose, with mines. The process of demining the areas slows down the Great Return of IDPs and poses a threat to the lives of people visiting those areas. Until now, Armenia grossly violates fundamental human rights, especially people’s right to life, by refusing to hand over the maps of mined lands in full.
The restoration and reconstruction of the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, as well as the full implementation of the Great Return, is an important task facing our state. Thus, the right of IDPs to return to their homeland in a dignified, voluntary and safe manner established in international law will be ensured.
At the end, many questions of the training participants were answered.
