Western Azerbaijanis’ Right to Return Deserves Consideration by UN Bodies: BIG Official
New York, The Gulf Observer: The right of Western Azerbaijanis to return to their former places of residence merits consideration by relevant United Nations bodies and international mechanisms, Elgun Hajiyev, Head of the Communication and Data Analytics Department of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), said.
Hajiyev made the remarks while addressing an international conference titled “The Right of Return and Decolonization: Restoration of Delayed Historical Justice” held at the UN Headquarters in New York.
He said any return process should be conducted in accordance with applicable international law and human rights standards, including the principles of voluntariness, safety, dignity and non-discrimination.
Hajiyev also underscored the importance of establishing appropriate mechanisms for restitution or compensation, as well as ensuring the protection of cultural and religious heritage.
According to the BIG official, the right to return constitutes a fundamental human right.
“Returning to one’s homeland is not merely about physical return; it means restoring identity, dignity, historical memory and cultural continuity,” he said.
Hajiyev further emphasised that protecting cultural heritage and addressing outstanding rights through legal mechanisms, dialogue and confidence-building measures could contribute to reconciliation and sustainable peace.
He called for continued attention to issues related to the rights of displaced communities and the preservation of their cultural and historical heritage within relevant international frameworks.
