Fuad Huseynov, the Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, recently held a meeting with Sebastien Bussua, a researcher and Doctor of Political Sciences based in Belgium.
During the meeting, Sebastien Bussua was informed about of the occupation and deportation policy implemented by Armenia and resulting in the expulsion of over 1 million refugees and IDPs from their homeland. It was emphasized that in the first years of the occupation, IDPs were compelled to temporarily settle in facilities across various regions of the republic, enduring challenging and perilous conditions. However, the state prioritized their well-being and provided them with attention and care.
To improve their living conditions, the government undertook significant efforts, including the construction of 116 settlements and the provision of new housing for over 320,000 IDPs, however some families continue to reside in impoverished circumstances, particularly those who have temporarily settled in the cities of Baku and Sumgait.
It was emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev has identified the issues affecting these individuals as a priority within the social policy agenda. Furthermore, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva has shown a keen sensitivity towards the problems faced by IDPs. Ensuring the sustainable settlement of IDPs remains a crucial task for the state.
Following the victory in the Patriotic War of 2020 the opportunity emerged for our compatriots to return to their homeland voluntarily, safely, and dignifiedly. The state has been actively taking measures to facilitate the return of IDPs in accordance with the principles of international law, while also implementing large-scale projects to support their reintegration.
It was stressed that despite the intensive restoration and reconstruction efforts in the territories liberated from occupation, the menace of mines poses a serious obstacle to the swift return of our compatriots to their native lands.
The meeting highlighted the state's focus on providing IDPs with modern and well-equipped apartments with necessary socio-technical infrastructure, in their homelands. A total of 86 families, comprising 420 individuals, have been relocated to the Agali village in Zangilan district, constructed based on the "smart village" concept. Moreover, 20 families, totalling 94 individuals, have been resettled to the Talish village of the Tartar district. By the end of the year, further relocation efforts are expected in Shusha city, as well as Lachin and Zangilan districts.
Sebastien Bussua, a researcher, and Doctor of Political Sciences working in Belgium, shared his experience of visiting the liberated territories and witnessing first-hand the scope of destructions caused during the occupation and reconstruction efforts that are currently underway in these areas.
During the meeting, a wide range of topics of mutual interest were discussed, and the guest's numerous questions were thoughtfully addressed.
