Remarks by H.E. Mr. Tofig F. Musayev,

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations

at the event on the sidelines of the 64th session of the Commission for Social Development
“Leaving no one behind: social development challenges in conflict-affected and occupied
territories”

5 February 2026, UNHQ, CR 11

Let me start by thanking the Permanent Mission of Pakistan for convening this important exchange.

The underlying rationale of the relevant obligations under applicable international law is to ensure, inter alia, the survival and welfare of the civilian population affected by conflict and occupation.

However, across the world, ongoing conflicts continue to have severe consequences for societies, economies, and the well-being of civilian populations. They drive mass displacement, deepen humanitarian crises, create unprecedented social development challenges, and place immense strain on fragile economies and institutions.

Millions of civilians face food insecurity, interrupted education, limited access to healthcare, and prolonged uncertainty about their future. These conditions undermine regional and global stability, erode development gains built over decades, and leave lasting social, psychological, and economic scars—particularly for children and future generations.

The experience of Azerbaijan vividly demonstrates the far-reaching human and social impacts of war and occupation. The country has one of the highest per capita rates of forced displacement, with communities severely affected in terms of livelihoods, education, and healthcare.

Since the end of the conflict in November 2020, Azerbaijan has launched large-scale post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts to enable the return of over 700,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes in safety and with dignity. Between 2021 and 2025, more than $13.5 billion has been allocated for these efforts, supporting family-oriented infrastructure, expanded housing, and new employment opportunities. Currently, around 70,000 people live, work, and study in the liberated territories.

We are rebuilding entire cities and villages from scratch, including through the implementation of innovative concepts such as “smart city”, “smart village” and “green energy zone”. Towns that were once rubble and ashes are now rising as modern settlements. Every new airport, school, farm, hospital or road we inaugurate in these territories help protect development gains and promote stability and growth.

The government has also provided comprehensive social support to over 130,000 people, including doubled social payments, housing, vehicles, employment programs, and extensive psychological and rehabilitation services for veterans, victims' families, and the disabled. These initiatives aim to address urgent social development challenges, rebuild livelihoods, restore communities, and lay the foundation for long-term recovery and resilience.

However, the return of the IDPs and reconstruction efforts are slowed down by the serios threat posed by an estimated 1.5 million landmines and unknown number of explosive remnants of war across the formerly occupied territories, which continue to maim and claim innocent lives.

Another pressing humanitarian issue is the fate of more than 4,000 Azerbaijanis still missing due to the war, a powerful reminder of the enduring impacts of conflict on families and social cohesion.

The tragic consequences of conflict and occupation highlight the importance of sustained national efforts to support conflict affected populations, further contributed by international cooperation and solidarity to ensure that no one is left behind.

In conclusion, we reiterate our firm commitment to the full implementation of the Doha Political Declaration of 2025, advancing social development and strengthening social justice and solidarity.

Thank you.