On May 16, Rovshan Rzayev, the Chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs, met with the delegation representing Japan’s Fuji Optical Co. Ltd and lead by globally recognized optometrist and philanthropist Akio Kanai.
The Chairman conveyed comprehensive insights regarding the hardships and challenges encountered by our compatriots, who became displaced from their homeland due to the military aggression of Armenia. It was reiterated that the refugees and IDPs get attention and compassionate support of the state. President Ilham Aliyev has firmly established the resolution of their issues as a priority of social policy.
Significant efforts have been made to ameliorate the housing and living conditions and enhance financial stability of IDPs. Notably, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, under the leadership of First Vice-President Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, has undertaken purposeful endeavours to safeguard well-being of IDPs, recognizing their unique status as a population group in need of social protection.
Emphasis was placed on the menace of mines in territories that have endured nearly three decades of occupation, coupled with Armenia's rejection to provide mine maps. This does not only jeopardize the safety of the returning population but also hinders the implementation of the Great Return initiative.
It was pointed out that considerable efforts are being undertaken with support from international organizations to address the threat of landmines. Moreover, the state has taken noteworthy strides to ensure the stable resettlement of IDPs in their native lands. Large-scale projects are being implemented in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur regions, focusing on crucial infrastructure facilities that provide access to vital social services such as healthcare and education for the resettled population. Furthermore, it was highlighted that within the collaboration between the State Committee and TABIB, health check-ups are conducted for individuals relocated to their homelands.
It was highlighted that substantial progress has already been made in the resettlement efforts, with 86 families, comprising 420 individuals, successfully relocated to the Agalı village reconstructed based on the concept of "smart village" in Zangilan district. Additionally, 20 families, totalling 94 individuals, have been resettled in Talish village of Tartar district. Further plans are to relocate 318 families to Lachin city in the initial stage, 296 families to Zabukh and Sus villages in Lachin district, and an additional 450 families to the city of Shusha until the end of the year. It was affirmed that the state places the highest priority on ensuring the voluntary, safe, and dignified resettlement of IDPs.
The Chairman expressed appreciation for the 16-year mission undertaken by "Fuji Optical" and emphasized its immense significance. He also stressed that projects implemented by international organizations have pivotal role in providing crucial moral support to our citizens.
Akio Kanai expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome. He shared his recent endeavours, informing that between May 9-13, eye examination campaign was conducted in Fuzuli district, followed by another session in Baku city on May 15. These examinations catered to the needs of approximately 2,500 individuals, including IDPs, refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable groups. War participants who had suffered eye injuries due to mine explosions passed medical examinations and were provided with glasses.
Japanese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Junichi Vada, present at the meeting, emphasized bilateral relations that have been cultivated between the countries over the past 30 years. The Ambassador expressed hope for an accelerated process of IDP return to their native lands and emphasized Japan's commitment to providing both technical and financial support to the process, noting that “Fuji Optical" will continue its activities in the future.
The meeting continued with a discussion on various matters of shared interest.
