At a session held within the framework of the “Caspian Basin Studies” program, traditionally organized every year by ADA University’s Professional Development Program, Fuad Huseynov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, delivered a lecture on “Resolving the Issue of Internally Displaced Persons in Azerbaijan – Prolonged Displacement and the Long-Awaited Return” to 20 senior diplomats representing 19 countries.
The diplomats were informed about the hardships and challenges faced by over 1 million people who were forced into refugee and internally displaced life as a result of Armenia’s occupation and deportation policies. It was noted that those who were compelled to leave their ancestral homes settled in incomplete buildings, basements, and dormitories under difficult and harsh conditions.
The Deputy Chairman briefed the diplomats on the comprehensive state policy implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev regarding the work with refugees and internally displaced persons. He highlighted the measures taken to improve the social protection and living conditions of this category of citizens, and particularly emphasized the special attention and care shown to internally displaced persons by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva.
During the speech, it was noted that comprehensive measures are being implemented to ensure the restoration and sustainable development of the liberated territories and the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of former internally displaced persons to their native lands. This process also contributes significantly to regional stability. The “Great Return” process is reflected as one of the main priorities in Azerbaijan’s socio-economic development strategy under the “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development.”
Diplomats were informed that large-scale infrastructure projects are currently underway in the liberated territories.
Within this framework, information was provided about the project implemented by the State Committee and ADA University, titled “Conducting a Sociological Survey Among Internally Displaced Persons and Preparing Preliminary Forecasts to Ensure the Return and Integration of the Population.” Other activities envisaged under the First State Program on the Great Return include involving displaced persons in reintegration measures, organizing the return process, conducting awareness-raising and advocacy activities, and creating a dedicated hotline service. The fact that Armenia left the occupied territories contaminated with mines remains a significant obstacle to the Great Return process.
It was also noted that the Azerbaijani state not only addresses the problems of refugees and internally displaced persons, but also serves as a global model in post-conflict rehabilitation and the reintegration of former internally displaced persons into their native lands.
Diplomats were additionally briefed on the deportation of Azerbaijanis from Western Azerbaijan and the crimes committed against the Azerbaijani people. It was emphasized that, with strong state support, the Western Azerbaijan Community operates actively and effectively, a concept for return to Western Azerbaijan has been prepared, and the restoration of justice for displaced persons and refugees forms a solid foundation for any long-term peace and stability in the region. In this regard, the rights of nearly 300,000 Azerbaijani refugees forcibly expelled from their ancestral lands in present-day Armenia to return safely and with dignity should be protected and constitute a key component of any lasting peace.
After the lecture, the documentary film *“This Is My Home”*, featuring Ceyhun Garabaghly, a young man born and raised in the United States whose ancestral home is in the Suleymanli village of the Jabrayil district, was screened. Video clips showcasing reconstruction work and the prosperous lives of people in the liberated territories were also presented, alongside printed materials prepared by the State Committee, which were distributed to the participants. These materials were received with great interest by the diplomats.
At the end of the event, the Deputy Chairman answered participants’ questions regarding the return process and various aspects of state policy.
