A conference on “Great Return to the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan: violated rights and their restoration” was hosted in Aghali village of Zangilan district, which is the first liberated region where our internally displaced persons (IDPs) were resettled.  The high-level conference was organized by the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan and brought together the representatives of state bodies, delegations of international organizations to Azerbaijan, and non-governmental organizations.

During the conference, the Head of the Ombudsman Office Mr. Aydin Safikhanli delivered a speech entitled “The measures carried out by the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the field of the protection of the rights of refugees and former IDPs”.

After greeting the participants on behalf of the Ombudsman Ms. Sabina Aliyeva, Mr. Aydin Safikhanli provided comprehensive information about the facts of violation of numerous fundamental human rights of our compatriots due to the aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan. He noted that the UN resolutions imply the IDPs’ safe and dignified return to their homes.

While speaking about the mechanisms applied in the post-conflict period, Mr. Safikhanli emphasized the role of the UN in this sphere and noted the importance of promoting the principle of a durable solution for solving the problems of the IDPs. He also touched upon the criteria applied for restoring property rights and ensuring the right to compensation for this population group.

In his speech, the Head of the Office reiterated that the Ombudsman Institution always pays due attention to the protection of the rights of refugee and IDP populations. It was mentioned that the Azerbaijani Ombudsman regularly draws the attention of the international and regional organizations to the issue of restoration of the violated rights and freedoms of the Azerbaijanis suffering the results of the military aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan. He also stated that many calls have been made in this regard both during the Second Karabakh War and in the post-war period.

The speech also highlighted the human rights protection perspective of current activities implemented in the territories liberated from occupation for reviving the economy, defusing landmines and other explosive ordnance, rebuilding those areas through repair-construction works, including the realization of “smart city” and “smart village” models.

After the speeches, a discussion was held on the topic, and an excursion to the territory of Aghali village was organized for the participants.