Within the framework of the “Caspian Basin Studies” program, traditionally organized annually by the ADA University Professional Development Program, Fuad Huseynov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, delivered a lecture titled “Solving the problem of internally displaced persons in Azerbaijan – long-term displacement and the long-awaited Return” to 20 high-ranking diplomats representing 19 countries.
This was reported to elchi by the Committee.
It was stated that the diplomats were informed about the deprivations and difficulties faced by more than 1 million people who were forced to live as refugees and internally displaced persons as a result of Armenia’s policy of occupation and deportation.
It was noted that our compatriots, who were forced to leave their native lands, settled in difficult and harsh conditions in unfinished buildings, basements, and dormitories.
The Deputy Chairman provided information about the comprehensive state policy implemented in our country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev in the field of work with refugees and internally displaced persons. Speaking about the work done to improve the social protection and living conditions of people in this category, the special attention and care shown by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva to internally displaced persons was also specifically emphasized.
During the speech, it was noted that comprehensive measures are being implemented to restore and ensure the sustainable development of the liberated territories and to ensure the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of former internally displaced persons to their native lands. This direction also makes an important contribution to ensuring stability in the region. The “Great Return” process is reflected in “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” as one of the main priorities in our country’s socio-economic development strategy.
It was brought to the attention of the diplomats that large-scale infrastructure projects are currently being implemented in the liberated territories. In this context, information was provided about the project “Conducting sociological surveys among internally displaced persons and preparing preliminary forecasts for the purpose of ensuring the return of the population and their integration into the territories,” implemented by the State Committee and ADA University. Involving displaced persons in reintegration measures, organizing the relocation process, carrying out advocacy and awareness-raising work, and creating a special hotline service are some of the activities envisaged in the State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories. The fact that Armenia has contaminated the territories it kept under occupation for many years with mines remains a serious obstacle to the Great Return process.
It was also noted at the event that the Azerbaijani state is presenting an exemplary model on a global scale, not only in solving the problems of refugees and internally displaced persons but also in terms of post-conflict rehabilitation and the reintegration of former internally displaced persons into their native lands.
Diplomats were also provided with detailed information about the deportation of Azerbaijanis from Western Azerbaijan lands and the crimes committed against our people. It was emphasized that thanks to the strong support of our state, the Western Azerbaijan Community is carrying out active and effective work, a concept regarding the return to Western Azerbaijan has been prepared, and the restoration of justice for internally displaced persons and refugees is a solid foundation for any long-term peace and stability in the region. In this regard, it was stressed that the rights of nearly 300,000 Azerbaijani refugees forcibly expelled from present-day Armenia to return safely and with dignity must be protected and must constitute a part of any long-term peace.
After the lecture, the documentary film “This is my home,” which tells about the visit of young Jeyhun Garabaghli, who was born and raised in America and whose roots are from Suleymanli village of Jabrayil district, to his ancestral lands, was shown, as well as video clips demonstrating the restoration and construction work in the liberated territories and the prosperous life of the people. Printed materials prepared by the State Committee were also distributed to the participants.
The presented materials were met with great interest by the diplomats. At the end of the event, the Deputy Chairman answered the participants’ questions regarding the return process and various aspects of state policy in general.
