Statement by Ms. Nahida Baghirova

Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations

at the Security Council open debate on “Women, Peace and Security” under the theme

“Peace is decided with women: Emerging from conflict by enhancing their participation”
 

Security Council Chamber, UNHQ, 19 June 2026

Madam President,

At the outset, I would like to thank Colombia for convening today’s important meeting on “Women, Peace and Security” and the distinguished briefers for their insightful presentations.

Last year marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), which recognized the particular vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in armed conflict and underscored the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts to maintain and promote peace and security.

As armed conflicts continue to disproportionately affect women and children, resolution 1325 and the subsequent resolutions of the Security Council remain as relevant as ever. Despite the efforts of the international community, the Secretary-General’s reports continue to highlight the widespread human rights violations suffered by women and girls in conflict situations. Failure to comply with international obligations, coupled with the persistent lack of accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, remains a serious challenge.

Madam President,

On numerous occasions, including through the Pact for the Future, Member States have committed themselves to accelerating the implementation of the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda, including in post-conflict settings. The humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts require timely and adequate international support to address the challenges faced by affected populations, including women and girls, as recognized in Security Council resolution 2474 (2019).

Despite the end of the decades-long conflict and the progress achieved in advancing the peace agenda in our region, Azerbaijan continues to face the pressing issue of missing persons. The fate and whereabouts of over 4,000 Azerbaijani nationals, including 287 women, remain unknown.

Clarifying the fate of missing persons and advancing related international efforts are matters of particular importance for Azerbaijan. In this regard, my country hosts annual international conferences, including the dedicated Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons. Azerbaijan is also the author and initiator of the General Assembly resolution on “Missing Persons” and the Commission on the Status of Women resolution entitled “Release of women and children taken hostage, including those subsequently imprisoned, in armed conflicts.”

Madam President,

Azerbaijan is undertaking large-scale rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the post-conflict period to enable internally displaced persons to exercise their right to a safe, voluntary and dignified return to their places of origin. Through the Great Return Programme, specific measures have been introduced to support the empowerment of women and girls and to facilitate their meaningful participation in the recovery process.

These efforts, however, continue to be severely hampered by the serious threat posed by landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Since the end of the conflict in 2020, 427 people have fallen victim to mine incidents. This challenge underscores the need for adequate international assistance to strengthen national humanitarian demining capacities and efforts.
 

Notwithstanding these difficulties, approximately 85,000 people have already returned and are now living and working in newly rebuilt cities, towns and villages as a result of the measures undertaken by the Government.

In conclusion, Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda and to the empowerment of women and girls in post-conflict settings, in accordance with the relevant international normative frameworks.

Thank you.