During a session held under the auspices of the "Caspian Basin Studies Program," a collaborative effort by ADA University, its Institute of Development and Diplomacy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs, Fuad Huseynov, delivered a lecture titled "Resolving the Challenges of IDPs: Long-Term Forced Displacement and the Long-Awaited Return" to foreign diplomats representing various embassies in Azerbaijan.
Diplomats were informed about the hardships endured by over one million refugees and IDPs who were unjustly uprooted from their homes due to Armenia's occupation and deportation policies, as well as challenging circumstances faced by our compatriots, who resided in unfinished buildings, basements, and dormitories. Emphasis was placed on the state's commitment to the welfare of refugees and IDPs, with President Ilham Aliyev prioritizing the improvement of living conditions and the effective implementation of social protection measures for individuals in this category. Additionally, support and sensitivity demonstrated by First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva in addressing the challenged faced by these individuals were duly acknowledged.
It was emphasized that the state is committed to facilitating resettlement procedure for IDPs, which became possible following our country's triumphant victory in the Patriotic War of 2020. Extensive efforts and large-scale projects are underway to reconstruct residential areas, administrative buildings, roads, and communication lines that were destructed during the 30-year occupation in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. It was mentioned that the progress of the Great Return of IDPs is hindered by Armenia's indiscriminate mining of lands irrespective of whether they hold military significance or not during the years of occupation. It was reiterated that the international community should exert pressure on Armenia to provide detailed mine maps which is crucial to ensure the safety of returning residents and individuals engaged in professional activities in the liberated territories.
It was emphasized that the state prioritizes the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of IDPs to their homelands based on the principles of the international law. Complex measures are underway to ensure our compatriots are provided with comfortable and modern apartments. The restoration of residential areas follows the principles of "smart village," "smart city," and "green zone" concepts. Some 420 IDPs already reside in apartments constructed based on this approach in Agalı village of Zangilan district. It was further highlighted that the resettlement of IDPs to the liberated territories will continue in the coming months.
During the meeting, a wide range of topics of mutual interest were discussed, and the guest's numerous questions were thoughtfully addressed.
