Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram Attends International Conference on Justice for Forcibly Displaced Azerbaijanis from Armenia
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram participated in the Two-Day International Conference on “Right of Return: Ensuring Justice for Azerbaijanis Forcibly Displaced from Armenia” organized by the Western Azerbaijan Community on the December 5–6, 2024 at Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku, The Gulf Observer: On 5th and 6th December 2024, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), participated in a two-day international conference titled “Right of Return: Ensuring Justice for Azerbaijanis Forcibly Displaced from Armenia.” organized by the Western Azerbaijan Community held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The inaugural session included an address by His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered by Prof. Adalat Valiyev, Head of the Department for Relations with Political Parties and Legislative Authority of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan. President Aliyev emphasized the importance of the right of return for displaced Azerbaijanis and the government’s commitment to justice and reconciliation. Mr. Aziz Alakbarov, Chairman of the Western Azerbaijan Community, underscored the significance of raising awareness about the plight of displaced Azerbaijanis, while Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Turkey’s Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan’s efforts in addressing displacement issues.
The conference featured five panel discussions focusing on critical themes concerning the right of return and the implications of displacement for the Azerbaijani population. The first panel addressed the historical and legal basis of the right of return for Azerbaijanis, examining international laws supporting this right. The second panel discussed reconciliation and peacebuilding in conflict-affected regions, emphasizing the importance of dialogue. The third panel examined international advocacy’s role in shaping diplomatic efforts to support displaced Azerbaijanis. The fourth panel focused on justice, human security, and property restitution, highlighting the need for effective mechanisms to ensure compensation for displaced individuals. The final panel addressed the importance of protecting cultural heritage, stressing that preserving cultural identity is vital for the resilience of displaced communities.
The aim of this conference was to emphasize the urgent need to acknowledge the profound impact of displacement on Azerbaijani identity and heritage. By fostering dialogue among key stakeholders and advocating for the right of return, the event sought to highlight the necessity of international cooperation in addressing human rights violations related to displacement. Through these discussions, the conference provided a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and strategies to mobilize support for displaced communities, reinforcing the commitment to justice and cultural preservation for Azerbaijanis throughout the world. Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram’s participation in this notable event underscores the importance of global solidarity and engagement in addressing humanitarian crises arising from conflicts.
On 6th December 2024, the second day of the conference, participants, accompanied by representatives of the Western Azerbaijan Community, visited various locations in Azerbaijan to learn about the rich culture of the country. They visited the Zira Cultural Center – EKO Park, where they took part in a tree-planting event and explored the “My Homeland Western Azerbaijan” Painting and Carpet Exhibition, which showcased paintings dedicated to Western Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani carpets. Participants also engaged in the weaving of small-sized carpets featuring traditional patterns of Western Azerbaijani carpets. The program continued with a screening of the film “Rich Cultural Heritage of Western Azerbaijan” and a concert aimed at further familiarizing participants with the rich culture of Azerbaijan.
